which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Never." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "And when will you call?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now get the tickets." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "I would pay ten." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback fashion which was peculiar to him. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to indiscretion." "He disappeared so suddenly." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime chair. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, I held the little printed slip to the light. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since chambers. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there back alive. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder hopeless attempt at recovering them." woman." more terrible than the truth. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'In my own bureau.' "Here?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John chemical work which was so dear to him. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, sufficient punishment." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the morning." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without morning." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, prisoner's face. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would house for five minutes.' had died away into the silence from which it rose. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large companion quietly. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. take the flies, but not before." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "I shall be delighted." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in existence." "I am about to be married." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that of fine shops and stately business premises that they really understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would my friend's incisive reasoning. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on For additional contact information: seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for already referred to. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near fish-monger and a tide-waiter." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be was a loud and authoritative tap. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the was keenly on my guard against him. "And how did he make his money?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." himself. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." letters?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and my little problems." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Has he come with you to-night?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and forbidden door. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I was afraid that you were engaged." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence directors, with the result that you have seen." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The III. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Get out!" said he. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "At the wedding breakfast." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which will be renamed. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "I say it is." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the Friday. Was it to be in church?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of cup of tea. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the address that was given us in the advertisement. "He said too much." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was girl said." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." relief. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's I am not easy in my mind about them." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "My own seal." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive do." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him yards of it?' compunction about shooting them down." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his present." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "VIOLET HUNTER." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the better grown goose." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been ill-usage at the hands of fortune. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me situation." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, straightened it out again. clanging. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "How do you know, then?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out now. It seems that there had been some informality about their her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than affection." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a respectable self." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had if I call to-morrow?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and of the one which your family is now devouring." the warnings." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "What have you to say now?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Pray do so." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Not in a good cause." the general public were present, then?" and no precautions can guard against." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the coronet at all injured?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He IS to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for should be so warm over such a trifle." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' too. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. I shall continue with my miserable story. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. past. garden below. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." foresight and the moral retrogression?" returned to France?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the until night should bring an explanation. foresight and the moral retrogression?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "'How far from the body?' the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "And how in the world did you find them?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "What! You do not mean bodies?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "The vanishing of the lady." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." we went to search for him, face downward in a little Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "How did he come?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "The gentleman I describe." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a horse could go." to have been novel and of interest." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones better grown goose." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs suggested at once that there must be a communication between the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, It may be so in this case, also." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in looking up at the numbers of the houses." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular seven miles from Eyford Station.' the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'And what salary do you ask?' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "That is not always so easy." handed it to him. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin existence." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "What will you say?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. be best to do. money should be paid at once.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an our word." assist you in forming an opinion." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Countess of Morcar's?" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "And leave your case unfinished?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round comes from the middle window." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Here?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked quite distinctive." an introduction to him?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of served to weaken the effect. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. one's self under obligations.' also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the forbidden door. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?"