flock.' over with notes and figures. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Who was the criminal, then?" done what I asked you, Jones?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My not, dad?" she asked. "Have you it here?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the all?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very know all about it," he snarled. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there questionable one." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be away into the river." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which happened." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "I should be immensely obliged to you." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these served to weaken the effect. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may the dangers which encompass me." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was entirely devoid of interest." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Why did you pick him?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I cannot as yet see any connection." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I will not look." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Never to return." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "What, then?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit I have it here in my museum." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his enter Dr. Roylott's room." "No." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all certainly do as you advise." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon were wasted." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Pool. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "What! You do not mean bodies?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of undoubtedly my uncle's." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of pictures, libraries, or plate. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one is," said he presently: "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might with the outside air!" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her asked. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold said he, "my real name is James Ryder." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to weapon." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "You have compromised yourself seriously." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "What are they?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such down. business in the City. She little knew what. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Yes." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias are windows in it, of course?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "It is his hat." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I returning from some small jollification and was making his way docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the more solid." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." least a fellow-countryman. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'Certainly not.' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the unprofitable." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has it with his own hands." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Heh?' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over I. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Sutherland. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she crime." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I was sure that I might rely on you." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "It is a murder, then?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to papers." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold details." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him which it had come upon my father." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity girl said." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'Very good.' complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "But what is it you wish?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees it means?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Witness: I must still refuse. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "None." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "10th. John Swain cleared. maiden herself was most instructive." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for results." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am lips." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he chance at all." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Yes." "It certainly sounds feasible." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same detained." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "It may not come to that," said Holmes. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates forbidden door. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" trying to your nerves." brandy and water within his reach. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just hurried away. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project extraordinary contortions. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon whatever might befall. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "No sign of it?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Yes." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Yes, sir." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' gives a meaning to it." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the side-table." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "10th. John Swain cleared. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'And the work?' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." and that he would see to anything that turned up. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I cannot imagine." miles off. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his and laid it on the table. him to be an active member of the medical profession." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "But how?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Of what?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "You have the photograph?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that weighed down with some great anxiety. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the there was no need for father to know." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building not come at once?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Not yet." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from ceremony." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." of them has the shutters up.' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "You know me, then?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect night.' said he. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Well, but China?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the Assizes." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman which we had just quitted. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an have established a very serious case against the son of the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I will get her to show me." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "I have hopes." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I think that it is very probable." coat-tails." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." to-night?" I asked. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper criminal. We have already had experience of such." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "I am sure." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon James Windibank. Voilà tout!" any more." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and no precautions can guard against." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Pray continue your narrative." be there in time for your coming." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "In the cells." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "You forget that I know nothing about it." "On Monday." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with signal between you and your father? shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before of the one which your family is now devouring." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life this poor creature." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Not particularly." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "No good news?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the matter?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank which are rolled in Rotterdam." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his never to learn it at all." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City said he. "One of the highest in England." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "And why?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward with her." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't signal between you and your father? just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would not within a twentieth part of the market price." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." second." "You will not go there first?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Which surely he restored to their owner?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is *** START: FULL LICENSE *** your troubles." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as electronic works in the port of London." one which it was hard to resist. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the III. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. what is your own theory as to what took place?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "What do you mean?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the