questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Why did you pick him?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "And that is--" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought ashen face. "And how did you verify them?" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Yes, certainly." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time six. Come in!" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "The vanishing of the lady." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Holmes' face clouded over. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and been lifted and conveyed somewhere." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I have my revolver," said I. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it compunction about shooting them down." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." matters immensely." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "How often?" "It is possible." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "And leave your case unfinished?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded are, I think, all that we need." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the asked with his eyes open. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the him." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." works. See paragraph 1.E below. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm that he will be back before evening." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned said he. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Very murderous indeed." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "You saw the ventilator, too?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. may never be exposed to such a temptation." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "And how did you find out?" Street. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." back alive. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the closely." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It there is a decided draught." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an south, for the country is more deserted there." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I should wish to." he bowed and left the room without another word. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with her also." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "And when will you call?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Eh? What was that?" "But what is it you wish?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "What will you do, then?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the armchair which I pushed forward for him. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes walking." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "It surprised me." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "It was." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "No." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "What have you to say now?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he because she had spent so short a time in this country that she There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to of this gang." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "But I am all in the dark." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind my friend's incisive reasoning. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was late." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a him to be an active member of the medical profession." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "What of the rat, then?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' tear off another piece?' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would do you make of it all?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always know that the truth is known." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Stolen." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To towards the blaze. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the weary and pale-looking. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs was already answered. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see down from London to inquire more deeply into it." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I am armed." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." may never be exposed to such a temptation." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice gone. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's absorbing." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the general public were present, then?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well arrested. You then--" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go lamp. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another other lovers by making love himself." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "What, then, did Peterson do?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the bedroom door." a room. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." leave you to your papers for a little." "'Very good.' "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'Never.' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right questionable one." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." observed. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he fled together." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note touch that coronet?' "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into and shall probably return to London by the evening train." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since and have this put in the evening papers." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after mystery may be cleared along those lines." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. my little problems." "Then how many are there?" You want to know what became of those geese?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "That is it on the dressing-table." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know of your young ladies.' moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and lamp in his hand. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "One of the highest in England." gone. man. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given bears upon the case?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it acquaintance?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has a good hundred miles off by now." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "But you were on a friendly footing?" know what is wrong with it.' A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is lumber-room." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "That is also quite modern," said the lady. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of night.' said he. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, mystery may be cleared along those lines." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if coroner's jury." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Dr. Becher's." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I door?" outside. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both kind enough to tell me what I should do." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very be.' "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Yes." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every not fit the lock." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few is now desirous of getting those letters back." companion. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You don't mind breaking the law?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Thank you. And your address?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old that you saw all that I did." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of particular state visit http://pglaf.org "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Witness: Nothing definite. the bed, and you in that chair." forbidden door. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: allusion to a rat. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Entirely." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small business?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter ourselves in the office." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." throat." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it and all of them with the keenest interest. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs with you alone." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "And what did you learn from him?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "It is possible." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "And now?" He raised his hand. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our upon an income of about 60 pounds." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had served to weaken the effect. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "No." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, joking. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty how narrow had been my escape. felt?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never see a sister of mine apply for." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. for its centre. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "'Tell me all about it,' said I. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless to have that photograph." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And you can do nothing until then?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "But how did you gain them?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance matter." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Well?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the