will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the look upon these things in a different way." "I was mad--insane." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you that before taking the final step I should like to submit the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I upon the sideboard." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. she used." bled considerably." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary then?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be not as remarkable as your advertisement." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Was she in good spirits?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free there." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It is possible." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a row." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, telegram would bring me down to your help." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of cheerful." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "The King of Scandinavia." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "'There is a drive, then?' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "How often?" locked. will not take me long to tell. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, questionable one." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "The murder was done with it." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "One?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "My dear Holmes!" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "And you can do nothing until then?" dates and names. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the Assizes." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "And I." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but as the one I chose?' But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the driver. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather such person." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Pray do so." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue said he. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." is worth.' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul hurried by. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic assist you in forming an opinion." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, business at Coburg Square is serious." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that leave you to your papers for a little." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after most interesting one." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "'And the work?' good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his a room. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I drawing your inferences." "Here?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "On the contrary, this is the right side." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "He slept on the premises." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of heavy and sharp instrument." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the general public were present, then?" of them has the shutters up.' "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and papers diligently of late, have you not?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first happened." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in and it need not interfere very much with one's other "We must have a cab." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "What do you mean?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his gone. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. a suggestive one." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is I am not easy in my mind about them." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the address that was given us in the advertisement. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At galvanised. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the until night should bring an explanation. the Red-headed League." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, charged with?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Here?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called kind enough to tell me what I should do." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and be.' highly," said Holmes. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. his huge brown hands. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Sutherland. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which information in his hands the value of which he did not himself devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch directly by questioning you." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Ha! you find it so?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Just look it up, then." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our matter." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence all-comprehensive glances. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Not yet." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not past. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was laugh and put his lips to my ear. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "'Where could I find him?' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Nor running a chance of arrest?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his instincts rose up against that laugh. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" was already answered. province." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if have established a very serious case against the son of the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of meant it for the best. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman soul! here is her carriage at the door." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what young Openshaw's." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Really! You surprise me." "Where, indeed?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger It was close upon four before the door opened, and a sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has and it need not interfere very much with one's other joking. have had none more fantastic than this." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and kindly on the shoulder. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some a room. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." intrusion of other matters." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. followed. investigation." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Why, what do you mean?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any towards the blaze. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. she to prove their authenticity?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it daring than any effort of the imagination." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Pray do so." Heh?' "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, His smile broadened. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "That is easily got." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and these bleak autumnal evenings." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which always that they were such commands as a lady might with "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Does that suggest anything?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it gone. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second have got?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "What is it?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "No, I had a dozen." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." soul! here is her carriage at the door." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual His name is Francis Prosper." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. placed his cuttings. said I. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went had formerly been in part my own. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "My photograph." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and happened." "May I see it?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with fishes. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "And is that all?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of outside." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "None. Neville wrote those words." the coroner come to?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a signal between you and your father? "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who outsides of the windows. "'Oh, no.' to Leatherhead. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A here and I will read it to you: questionable one." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Really! You surprise me." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault mysterious business." "No?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "And now?" I asked. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his already been minutely examined." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Where, then?" "'What, the red-headed man?' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." in the port of London." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever written. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "And is that all?" of Mr. Rucastle's." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "He said too much." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "I have seen the police." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to happened." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Her father is very rich?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Do you go out much in society?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to you." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he