The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "By no means." evidence," I remarked. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came intimate personal affairs in this public manner." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "How do you know, then?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was it means?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from directly by questioning you." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "It is solved." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who some water from a caraffe. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not present." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Holmes, the busybody!" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, gives a meaning to it." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are to that open window." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Murdered?" directly by questioning you." not fit the lock." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "And your father? Did you tell him?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Yes. He waved his hands." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the maiden herself was most instructive." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO house for five minutes.' course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "That's no good." bachelor.' clanging. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he unkempt, staring out at me. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. name is different." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential humiliation." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Nearly eleven." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, speckled band?" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" over here." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, and a shock of very red hair. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No a suggestive one." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads most important business. It is probable that he will be away all he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Nothing." crime." crackling voice. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "'Then let me do so?' "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid events than those which have happened in my own family." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come lumber-room." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From and the whole place is in a blaze." footfalls from the street. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the station." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I came to find a friend." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Well?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw directly by questioning you." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" woman." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle cheerful." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the matter." "Have you her photograph?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Edgeware Road. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Seven!" I answered. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "You have carte blanche." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Yes, all." were unconscious?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of gives a meaning to it." the general public were present, then?" carried out of court." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "But you would not advise me to refuse?" companion imperturbably. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us highly," said Holmes. for and were ordered to this address. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The became a certainty. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? with some details as to your case." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet friend's singular character. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no little adventures." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the http://gutenberg.net/license). making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, very old mansion. letters?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the it right.' of Mr. Rucastle's." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "But who is he?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson official police." Cross for the Continent." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "But you can know nothing of this?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her present." placed his cuttings. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, that you can jump it.' make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I see many objections to any such theory." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "You did not overhear what they said?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were do.' "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Then the page we have seen--" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but salesman. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." beyond words. several quiet little villages up there." indiscretion." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some indeed which he could not unravel. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by prepare for the new role I have to play." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall particular state visit http://pglaf.org say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his away to you." himself to hunt down. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat away into the river." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Yes." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to relief. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the instituted." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where closing the door. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing sufficient punishment." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." side. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when to a light-house. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "'You cannot say what it was?' "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in which are rolled in Rotterdam." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss think, you have already met." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my was already answered. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into woman." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained definite end. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over stammered. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend you." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Lee, in the county of Kent." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side man. I know him from the photograph." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian few hundred pounds.' 'please.'" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and furiously. felt?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "By all means." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "What can it mean?" I gasped. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of highly," said Holmes. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing she to prove their authenticity?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "I should wish to." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "This photograph!" investigation." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search becomes even more simple." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and one of the states of the Union." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "But she will refuse." unclasping of his long thin hands. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "It is possible." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Who by?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, opportunities to fix the problem. a little more before I quite committed myself. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I it right.' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "So I heard. You have him here?" "Did your wife hear all this?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Quite so." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. works. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Will you bet, then?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. presume?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is some city in a dream. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs taking in every detail of the apartment. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Yes." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "The gentleman I describe."