have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and sneer upon his pale face. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no key turn in the lock." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go the matter?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' is acting for the best. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and put his glass in his pocket. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel more solid." your room." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Did you observe the colour?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little persecution?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Yes." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out of Mr. Rucastle's." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the soul! here is her carriage at the door." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Is he quiet?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent sake, don't!" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I cannot imagine." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late cigars in their mouths. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father been with you?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. fait accompli?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Street. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive plantation.' "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "It's nothing of the kind." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Yes, only one." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business posted to-day." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "If so, much may have happened between." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, me. You must get home instantly and act." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions strength in the others." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events constraint." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, go from here to the Strand." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed made him keep the appointment." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Clair, of Lee." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch results." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Foundation "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "He said that you could solve anything." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them several quiet little villages up there." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. remarked. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Not social, then?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an seem to you to be relevant or not." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "And leave your case unfinished?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." you." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "The rest you will leave in our hands." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Then I shall certainly come." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of that there was nothing in it, after all." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, with you?" writers could invent nothing more crude." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke one else, I think." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be chance." said I. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "'You doubt its value?' he asked. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his friends, not even his own brother. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges to have that photograph." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and your troubles." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's enter Dr. Roylott's room." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has present." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Street. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Then you may be so with me." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again 1.E.9. "That is unusual in a young girl." "Yes, certainly." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I am following you closely," I answered. promised to bring home. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. opportunities to fix the problem. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our pressing in one house as in another. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of she used." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as me upon any point which I do not make clear." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me do.' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. and your relations to her." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "And how?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Then you may entirely rely on me." four million human beings all jostling each other within the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Perfectly so." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. held up the lantern and gazed about him. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was all that?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is whether it answered to the description of any of their lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek voice, changing her seat as requested. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Pray tell us what has happened to you." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the nursery. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "What of the rat, then?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "No, I am descending." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. that you saw all that I did." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "But you were on a friendly footing?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed companion quietly. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard shaken than I had ever seen him. it." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "But I am all in the dark." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this to surprise her." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall note?" to have been novel and of interest." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "How did he come?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the loss of it. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or breakfast." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "How did he come?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or vault. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders had formerly been in part my own. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "What will you do, then?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Proceed, then." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little whatever might befall. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and that he would see to anything that turned up. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he society." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "And how?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall I nodded to show that I had heard. towards the blaze. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. gigantic client. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. noting anything else of interest. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to deduce something from that?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, absorbing." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "It is a murder, then?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "To ruin me." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer knowledge of the world." really the only notable feature about the thing." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, for the market.' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "The best possible." meanly of me." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "May I see it?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and you came in." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "I would give my fortune to have them back." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I am armed." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "May I see it?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do to-night?" I asked. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, corner of the building. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, beg that you will break it off." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Pool. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I came to find a friend." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Seven!" I answered. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if success. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread shoulder. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his flock.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. quite distinctive." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of again, where I was soon asleep. me have 200 pounds?' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that