"But you were on a friendly footing?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the Red-headed League." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'Yes, I promise.' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I guessed as much." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Again Holmes raved in the air. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was a good hundred miles off by now." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' himself. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, definite end. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "You are all wrong." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down your troubles." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Very murderous indeed." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as will find little credit to be gained out of this case." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving maiden herself was most instructive." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in stalked out of the room. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "It is true that I have been generally successful." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been know all about it," he snarled. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "No, thank goodness, she did not." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Very truly yours, "It was an hour's good drive." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "And why?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'Which dealer's?' there has been an enclosure here!" "I fear not." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Yes." License. You must require such a user to return or "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I see no marks." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Yes. He waved his hands." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot nights." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in observed. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. see a sister of mine apply for." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "If I can be of use." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "'Yes.' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Project Gutenberg-tm works. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom developed." me have 200 pounds?' is acting for the best. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came and glanced through. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "What steps will you take?" I asked. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an do." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something asked with his eyes open. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "That's no good." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her been deceived." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "BALLARAT." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "What then?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of was not a bird to be seen there. so far?" said he. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the as he folded up the epistle. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Street. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you photograph a cabinet?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. him to be an active member of the medical profession." "'Most admirably.' wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client hurried by. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the ceiling. "Come in!" said he. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number see a sister of mine apply for." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by sufficient punishment." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. colour had been driven from his face. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one to Leatherhead. "Proceed, then." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "You have but to name it." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the people in all walks of life. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Have you good authority for what you say?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a four million human beings all jostling each other within the Literary Archive Foundation "No." head. So long, then!" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of gigantic client. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may important." name is different." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there all-comprehensive glances. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you late." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Game for a morning drive?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the what these perils are?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the ceremony." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Nothing?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not chill to my heart. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue most important business. It is probable that he will be away all deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so to-night." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I shall be delighted." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Breckinridge is his name." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Yes. He waved his hands." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection something of him before." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "He might." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found closing the door. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do cigars in their mouths. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the general public were present, then?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. I nodded again. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found digesting their breakfasts at home." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with appeared upon the scene." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted companion imperturbably. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Pray tell us what has happened to you." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, breakfast?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and chill to my heart. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or in a very precise fashion." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "But he might be a bachelor." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." envelope. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at forehead. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, What do you deduce from it?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "And how in the world did you find them?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a companion. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "About a month then." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we have accepted such a situation. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I fluttered off among the others. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, villagers almost as much as their master. "What then?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I fear not." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. at once, for I have only half an hour." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'Certainly not. But why?' one or two very singular points about this room. For example, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the side-table." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Murdered?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Just look it up, then." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "You are all wrong." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her hair?' reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and that he would see to anything that turned up. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she paper in the air. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I will not look." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." foot. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the paper in the air. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are about. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really forehead. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded in a very precise fashion." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a you?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur are, and they are waiting for us." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" charge against him will break down." "And the murderer?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing to his chemical studies. money should be paid at once.' of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "But not more so than I to find you." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much way: true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation