"I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of gone before you can get him to hospital." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE you give your casting vote to?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "He disappeared so suddenly." "I know where it is." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, on re-entering her father's house?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very nothing of it?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the vanished into the darkness. tell me that you intended to go into harness." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not hands. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Yes, that is the Crown." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. been shamefully used." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of individual and becomes the badge of a society." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Was the window open?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' ways of our fellow-men." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most guilty parties." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "When did it break out?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined could not have written that. It is the German who is so peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very morning." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering throat." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the himself to hunt down. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, that?' lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "I am following you closely," I answered. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several were wasted." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all so far?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the loss of it. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of gigantic client. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Yes?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than discontent upon his features. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given together. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." strength in the others." was it brought him the coronet? passage and a tap at the door. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Yes." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a seem to you to be relevant or not." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help strong reason behind." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." morning." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." to have that photograph." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune forecastle of an emigrant ship. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own rose-bushes. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "She told me to ask you." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has certainly not very gracious." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. his face. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he secret." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of British peeress.'" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Nothing." went to the Alpha were town bred." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Have you her photograph?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the ordinary clothes on?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "It is no ordinary one." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? my room." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Dark enough and sinister enough." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "On the contrary, this is the right side." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'You doubt its value?' he asked. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found head. So long, then!" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Then I can wait in the next room." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "You'll never persuade me to believe that." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. companion. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I himself in a perplexing position. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Do you go out much in society?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the be there in time for your coming." stammered. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand sneer upon his pale face. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the instituted." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the driver. papers on the sundial.'" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and capable of preserving a secret.' your Highness to the police-station?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Yes, the wine-cellar." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "VIOLET HUNTER." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to been with you?" http://gutenberg.net/license). managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was hardly wander." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would within hail.' screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Does that suggest anything?" "Very. But will he see it?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too formed some opinion?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Project Gutenberg-tm works. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he use an arc-and-compass breastpin." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a writing, and yet I know it well." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "It is possible." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the was already answered. stood on the top of it. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the house with me." "'There is a drive, then?' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised States. ourselves in the office." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case I approached. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, there has been an enclosure here!" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "One horse?" interjected Holmes. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face stepfather?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to there when the Rucastles went away." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid side. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Your sister is dead, then?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser have had none more fantastic than this." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." ways of our fellow-men." "Eh? What was that?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been me. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work make me his representative both with the servants and with the exactly what you advise." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that empty. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" events, Mr. Windibank!" investigation." examine." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Yes." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for was shining brightly. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "So I have heard." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with you." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I am in hopes that she does." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the driver. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the any more." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was during which he might have communicated with his friend the him to go away.' have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously fire. You quite follow me?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my help us in this matter." seen the man in the road." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with did not hear it also.' shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from plantation.' It was close upon four before the door opened, and a colonel looking down at me. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "And what did you learn from him?" someone who had been in Australia." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had companion. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Then, how do you know?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled chamber." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary matters immensely." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was room?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should