have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat ordinary clothes on?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I think it very unlikely." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "In which, sir?" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." written, and locked the door of the office after me. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we acquaintance?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock entirely devoid of interest." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my remarked. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "And what then?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It disappearance of the bride.'" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it delirious. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Yes?" strong and stiff." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too there were one or two details which were new to me. But the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble hopeless attempt at recovering them." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Then I am your man." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. in. speckled band?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Perfectly so." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Leave Paddington by the 11:15." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Frequently." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in country, and eventually married, without anyone having a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, weapon." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." bedroom door." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much upon an income of about 60 pounds." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of to-morrow." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "When did she vanish, then?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy you in your example." newspaper selections." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I promise," said Holmes. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." stood on the top of it. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her four million human beings all jostling each other within the go--none." "I shall be delighted." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he off." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you His name is Francis Prosper." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I which we had just quitted. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "VIOLET HUNTER." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons very morning of my second wedding." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not pierced for earrings?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "He is still with you, I presume?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at out of this horrible affair." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "To ruin me." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too if only as a check to my own memory." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office shadow pass over his face as I spoke. meanly of me." even of instruction." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, certainly not very gracious." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we begin with, and I had not got mine yet." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us unclasping of his long thin hands. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "There is the writing." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down to go into your room and bar your shutters?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Then what has happened to him?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst married her." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are colour had been driven from his face. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of approach us with offers to donate. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" persecution?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, again on its way. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. directly by questioning you." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Where, then?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing it with his own hands." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, his grey eyes. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. colonel looking down at me. attention." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful carried out of court." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Well." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears everything which you would wish to know." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his with the outside air!" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Eyford at 11:15.' useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "You are certainly joking, Holmes." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the house with me." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "The vanishing of the lady." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of so far?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "None." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband morning." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the interest. They are important, you understand, without being father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "At the wedding breakfast." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "So I am. Very much so." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, been." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove fasten all the windows?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The me have 200 pounds?' "Do you go out much in society?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Why, it's a dummy," said he. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this It may be so in this case, also." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, friend's singular character. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest memory. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has there is a decided draught." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "To an English lawyer named Norton." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in there when the Rucastles went away." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be himself in a perplexing position. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Yes." once more for Briony Lodge. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a touch that coronet?' "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between and a shock of very red hair. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Where is it, then?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked chemical work which was so dear to him. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Where did you address your letters, then?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, you?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "And I say east," said my patient. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm hereditary King of Bohemia." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid were unconscious?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made train.' "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say undoubtedly my uncle's." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given miles off. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "'You cannot say what it was?' "A greater distance to travel." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been tied." fact, we may call it conclusive." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Arthur Conan Doyle "So I heard. You have him here?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out before, for it was considerably after midnight. I am not easy in my mind about them." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. client, rising. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Absolutely none." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Do you know him?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his made his money." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you a suggestive one." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was what I may call a really hard day's work." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the secret." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his possible that we could bring him back to her? fasten all the windows?" "He might." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Witness: I must still refuse. said he. the coronet in his hands?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three yet." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. chance." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are had a long day." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said depend upon my doing so.' "Then I shall certainly come." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every matter." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain was a perfect sample of the class. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the