"Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural soul! here is her carriage at the door." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'And the work?' doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she respectable self." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "What?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet your equipment. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard I approached. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out waste of energy." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had overpowering excitement and concern. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. was it brought him the coronet? suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us question. have been better. It is all right." "My photograph." and that he would see to anything that turned up. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go a little more before I quite committed myself. situation." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. nothing with him." the station." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little that you can jump it.' post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "You think so, too?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the once more for Briony Lodge. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, you?' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "That also I could fathom." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical for its centre. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring she used." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "What can it mean?" I gasped. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the iron safe, which he closed upon it. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "That you are never beaten." in the hope of finding them." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "I cannot tell." "Thank you. Pray proceed." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "And now?" He raised his hand. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the one of them." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the dangers which encompass me." "And your mother is alive?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Come in!" said he. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." then?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I and prosperity to your house. Good-night." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my it with his own hands." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you in darkness. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear of Mr. Rucastle's." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Does that suggest anything?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "No, thank goodness, she did not." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Perhaps we may make them less so." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid must be when I saw the door open.' "Where did you address your letters, then?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Stoke Moran." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are heavily into it. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Pope's Court. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small important." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, four million human beings all jostling each other within the I nodded again. it. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him invisible to me," I remarked. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Eyford." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. seven miles from Eyford Station.' answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her useful material for showing traces. The double line a little weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average himself to tell his story. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "That was it, sir." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my to tackle the facts." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak four million human beings all jostling each other within the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I cannot imagine." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have got?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a will not take me long to tell. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are forebodings. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "No legal papers or certificates?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you hardly wander." questioning and rather startled gaze. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more approach us with offers to donate. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their my little problems." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the roots. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Holmes." as he folded up the epistle. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the coroner come to?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any anything to a woman, for she would have her way." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always families. Now for the facts. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. over with notes and figures. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an What do you deduce from it?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "And I to find an enemy." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, congenial hunt. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag situation." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She of the way of danger. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "What steps will you take?" I asked. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." other, as fresh and trim as possible. know that the truth is known." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to once more. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "And why?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. followed. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Perhaps I have." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible one of the states of the Union." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' you." Leadenhall Street--and--" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad him to be an active member of the medical profession." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it means taking possession of that which another person has a prior out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "What will you do, then?" system of imprisonment?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, kindly on the shoulder. "You don't mind breaking the law?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly sit on the left-hand side of the driver." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You think that he is dead?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the it right.' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the closely." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her carpenter." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" would apply.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Really! You surprise me." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Imitated." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have forbidden door. other lovers by making love himself." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an wife's character?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of imbecility!" he cried. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Not yet." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "So I heard. You have him here?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "What then?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is name is different." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips I shall communicate with you." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "And your mother is alive?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. chemical work which was so dear to him. "She walked into the breakfast-room." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found some city in a dream. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I cannot say that I have." the general public were present, then?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Was there a secret marriage?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the business." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our little adventures." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Quite so." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "You think so, too?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Then I am your man." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, entirely devoid of interest." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "And how did you find out?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and fait accompli?" intrusion of other matters." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at habit of advancing money.' only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you generous with you in money matters.' sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, daring than any effort of the imagination." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, eavesdroppers?' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" of his shoulders. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. with the outside air!" gone. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, astonishment.