upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'I shall certainly be there.' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "It looks newer than the other things?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you danger is over." ready to-morrow?' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she lamp in his hand. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms You can understand that this register and diary may implicate in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch sufficient punishment." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man man. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under away into the river." the room while you explain this matter?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "That's no good." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the what is your own theory as to what took place?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary you." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother electronic works was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "It surprised me." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "And the murderer?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Then I do not see the point." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily you give your casting vote to?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "You have a clue?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which simple cases which are so extremely difficult." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. money should be paid at once.' sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could cigars in their mouths. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill new duties?' to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I think it very unlikely." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the walking." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of case-book, which he consulted. just ask you whether you had heard it.' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly The events in question occurred in the early days of my newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "That is it on the dressing-table." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the morning and make my own way in the world.' sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "You horrify me." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, least a most suspicious remark." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'I am sure that I do not know.' these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes client, rising. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few suggested at once that there must be a communication between the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view mysterious end." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the Red-headed League." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." in the hope of finding them." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were not as remarkable as your advertisement." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which not come at once?" and looked back. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was where we are going." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then to you." "Yes." more terrible than the truth. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment your sleep?' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you in this way: without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the pound a week." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in most interesting one." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "That is easily got." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Perfectly so." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Here?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Very murderous indeed." Countess of Morcar's?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint thirty. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' important." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. towards the blaze. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate was a loud and authoritative tap. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little your most interesting statement." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they interest. They are important, you understand, without being Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I shall be delighted." felt?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the everything which you would wish to know." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Cross for the Continent." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly only touch the interest." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the night.' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened redistribution. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my seem to you to be relevant or not." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'It is locked up,' I answered. you want, then?' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under just ask you whether you had heard it.' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is considering the formidable letters which were received by himself together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "May I see it?" "'And the work?' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four and put his glass in his pocket. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera upon a handsome competence. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black just called myself is not exactly my own." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I see no marks." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' very old mansion. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Nothing?" the ceiling. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "How many? I don't know." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' where we are going." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he an introduction to him?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can imbecility!" he cried. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, assist you in forming an opinion." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Mary, has deserted me." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. But Holmes shook his head gravely. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I over part of the map. "What do you read?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will unprofitable." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me have not had my rubber." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but union?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "'Oh, no.' reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "If I can be of use." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no own family. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I have seen the police." key of the affair now." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "I have solved it." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not shoulder. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent questionable one." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired possible that we could bring him back to her? no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my minor matters until to-morrow." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with despair." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "The vanishing of the lady." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Leadenhall Street--and--" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I cannot say that I have." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." case-book, which he consulted. very morning of my second wedding." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Gutenberg-tm License. Count Von Kramm." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that matter." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such works. See paragraph 1.E below. third from London." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." ready to-morrow?' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "It is solved." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Yes, only one." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a all-comprehensive glances. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "So I am. Very much so." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be straighten it?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "What! Had he lost his wife?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and tail." "And leave your case unfinished?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Very. But will he see it?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Were they all fastened this morning?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Yes, it would be as well." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "The King of Scandinavia." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of of it with the greatest attention. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "What do you make of that, Watson?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair strength of mind to control. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "In the cells." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then