Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are society." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. pictures, libraries, or plate. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." before the coroner and the police-court." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" http://www.gutenberg.net opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent gentleman's clothes. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "'I have already given you my word.' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new miles off. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "That is it on the dressing-table." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Which dealer's?' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Then, as to money?" in one or two places in England?' "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "In what way?" asked Holmes. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and one else, I think." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the at my remark. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. what I may call a really hard day's work." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Pray continue your narrative." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "I am about to be married." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage gbnewby@pglaf.org dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle it." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your late!' opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Where is it, then?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Thank you. And your address?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you voice. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Have you it here?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been business." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house hair?' and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my It was close upon four before the door opened, and a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a least a most suspicious remark." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for than was visible to me." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing once more to my work. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest paper in the air. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "That is easily got." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "And I say east," said my patient. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a companion. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you them present such singular features as the strange train of it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," that he has suffered." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that will take you up to see the machine.' "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his But Holmes shook his head gravely. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "How many? I don't know." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just anything to do with the matter?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, presented more singular features than that which was associated "I think it very unlikely." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the breakfast?" strode off upon his way. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the leaning back in his chair. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him evidence," I remarked. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'Certainly not. But why?' I held the little printed slip to the light. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had and glanced through. call it cruel." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my was it brought him the coronet? my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Oh, yes, easily." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this cause to be." have I gained?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous she to prove their authenticity?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Perhaps I have." "In heaven's name, what for?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you thin legs towards the fire. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall just ask you whether you had heard it.' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I was sure that I might rely on you." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, mystery." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these do.' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a prison!" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "My dear Holmes!" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm whole matter to your consideration." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found returning from some small jollification and was making his way "On your arm?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. McCarthy." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive emerged. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in the dead of the night?' call you and give you the chance." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Will you go?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. drove away. stalked out of the room. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of problems help me to do so." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I breakfast?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads call you and give you the chance." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three public press." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "It missed him, then?" occurred." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Quite sure, dad.' am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "It was." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, electronic works that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." notes," he said. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Very well, sir. And this stone?" of." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading occupations.' "But how?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric questionable one." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "And Irene Adler?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Of what?" are windows in it, of course?" vault. towards the blaze. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "No." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "You horrify me." signal between you and your father? centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She wedding?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do he bowed and left the room without another word. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive that there was nothing in it, after all." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. weighed down with some great anxiety. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't furiously. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather spare." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'What do you call purely nominal?' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "He said that you could solve anything." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, very morning of my second wedding." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Did he not advertise?" "But how?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Have you good authority for what you say?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any hereditary King of Bohemia." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," and a shock of very red hair. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side not within a twentieth part of the market price." to arrive at through this?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, occurred." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Well." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." of this gang." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." one's self under obligations.' and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "But how did you gain them?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire prepare for the new role I have to play." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "It's nothing of the kind." putting in the horse. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their fluttered off among the others. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been ordinary clothes on?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Get out!" said he. your co-operation." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "But to whom?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows.