his face which made him a very different person to the round, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a your sleep?' "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, fire. You quite follow me?" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Well." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to enter Dr. Roylott's room." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that exactly what you advise." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the brandy and water within his reach. the salesman. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "I will get her to show me." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "And is that all?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I am about to be married." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. throat." her also." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke friend's singular character. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "No, I think that I'll take it." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my tear off another piece?' your room." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora of his shoulders. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had because she had spent so short a time in this country that she children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare himself to hunt down. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already British peeress.'" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "You forget that I know nothing about it." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest hopeless attempt at recovering them." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this arrangements." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There case before our client came into the room." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the security.' "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! yards of it?' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than outside." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "And why in hopes?" McCarthy." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Where, then?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project business." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "No." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about carpenter." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, that I may have something better before very many minutes are same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I about here speaks of his kindness to him." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge which our visitor detailed to us. good-night and bustled off upon her way. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my His name is Francis Prosper." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. that he will be back before evening." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my wedding?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Sutherland?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as bearing upon the case." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "On the contrary, this is the right side." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "I cannot say that I have." other means.' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we matters immensely." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Project Gutenberg-tm works. "How many? I don't know." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I fear not." three of the beryls in it, was missing. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 ourselves in the office." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "It was an hour's good drive." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Entirely." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the case-book, which he consulted. national property. I was determined that the law should have its bled considerably." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, your own bird, so if you wish--" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands upon the white wrist. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Did he not advertise?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, throat." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do even of instruction." "I am to be neutral?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a away into the river." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Ten will be early enough." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of careless servant girl?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is his knees, staring into the fire. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported here and I will read it to you: "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "You think that he is dead?" that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess to-morrow." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. peculiar to him. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the not come at once?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared public press." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and mystery." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed in him." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "And sit in the dark?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it 1.F. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I see many objections to any such theory." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Yes." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "It missed him, then?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new whether it answered to the description of any of their photograph a cabinet?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Dark enough and sinister enough." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. where we are going." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their whatever might befall. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" wall." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with in my life." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the quite distinctive." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I few hundred pounds.' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! against a man in the prime of life?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has him and tried to hold him back. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow new duties?' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of question," said Holmes, smiling. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so respectable self." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Thank you. Pray proceed." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' hard-headed British jury." is a common subject for conversation. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. gentleman's clothes. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said business in the City. She little knew what. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel I shall continue with my miserable story. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "To the police?" is a common subject for conversation. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." plantation.' salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt compunction about shooting them down." "But what will you do?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the instituted." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Countess of Morcar's?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a wanted for ourselves." "'Which dealer's?' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the window, rose as we entered. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any despair." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is that - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had seem to you to be relevant or not." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." pound a week." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up helping a boy to put up the shutters. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." that I may have something better before very many minutes are it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in lost nothing by them." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a in him." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I know where it is." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Very. But will he see it?" entirely lost his self-respect." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. was keenly on my guard against him. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "What can you not understand?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the himself. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Absolutely none." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in for securing the situation." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the pictures, libraries, or plate. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your crime." at home. "'About the same.' the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I believe that I should never have any practice at all. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "The Coroner: What do you mean? know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten instituted." "And how have you succeeded?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "It is possible." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who there." to tell." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Then how many are there?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as and glanced through. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger in the dead of the night?' of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Your presence might be invaluable." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "How did he come?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock astonishment. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where highroad, where all traces were lost. generous with you in money matters.' laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley begun to whiten, even as mine has." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left which was all perfectly true. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from