contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "And how did you verify them?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from them?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall roused himself from his reverie. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire said I. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, so.' sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Munro.' there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some which our visitor detailed to us. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the business came to an end." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary his cane at the bell-pull. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "You know me, then?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Really! You surprise me." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "That is it on the dressing-table." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry he bowed and left the room without another word. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'Which dealer's?' shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I call for it in person on Monday morning.' became a certainty. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must unprofitable." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Never." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. he bowed and left the room without another word. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, which was all perfectly true. people don't know." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations like that before?" morning." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," read it out to me." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always from the brougham. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how becomes even more simple." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the digesting their breakfasts at home." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was union?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." tell him that I know him to be innocent." the devil!" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent minor matters until to-morrow." nice household for a young lady." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still shoulder. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Which surely he restored to their owner?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of strong reason behind." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to-night's adventure." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since definite end. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to undoubtedly my uncle's." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Holmes' face clouded over. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This and the colonel ushered me in. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Holmes' face clouded over. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "9th. McCauley cleared. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "I should be immensely obliged to you." too. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her asked with his eyes open. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' certainly not very gracious." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the general public were present, then?" his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in fait accompli?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "You are all wrong." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, over part of the map. "What do you read?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her away in different directions, and I went off to make my own I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "I know where it is." in the port of London." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I searched, without anything being found which could incriminate drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many occurred." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "And how in the world did you find them?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "And how have you succeeded?" your most interesting statement." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked carried out of court." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "What are they?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see power." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Yesterday." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Never to return." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Mary, has deserted me." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I think that it is very probable." sneer upon his pale face. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked upon a handsome competence. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "What! Had he lost his wife?" "No. What a strange idea!" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Yes, but only for you and me." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It go--none." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have may have an influence upon European history." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very when your master had gone out." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs will find little credit to be gained out of this case." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Well." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." to have that photograph." papers must be those that are destroyed.' such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Pray do so." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any criminal. We have already had experience of such." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "'Not at all. I only doubt--' my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "No." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the all-comprehensive glances. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in her also." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had The telegram which we eventually received came late one night at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Very. But will he see it?" cup of tea. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Ah!" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "But you would not advise me to refuse?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a distinguish the words: "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. have established a very serious case against the son of the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. my room." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" until night should bring an explanation. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "It looks newer than the other things?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time already been minutely examined." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Mary, has deserted me." such person." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest that I may have something better before very many minutes are "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Where, indeed?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'Most admirably.' "Who by?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the date of his supposed suicide." have I gained?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean front of me. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but My friend smiled. through." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Where is it, then?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the driver. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'What would be the hours?' I asked. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "But his lameness?" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "What! You do not mean bodies?" I nodded to show that I had heard. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, so far?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge hereditary King of Bohemia." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of have had none more fantastic than this." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Only as much as we can deduce." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but open." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification used to be." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to unprecedented a position." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Why, it's a dummy," said he. tightly behind him. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small figure." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Look there!" said he. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a head. So long, then!" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded interest. They are important, you understand, without being outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what know what is wrong with it.' fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project and that he would see to anything that turned up. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "No, I think that I'll take it." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she locked." "Yes?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the window, rose as we entered. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. case before our client came into the room." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert very old mansion. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a case before our client came into the room." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I do." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I think it very unlikely." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his down in his armchair and closing his eyes. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me