only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the despaired of." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project words came to my lips. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here where we are going." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "And sit in the dark?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that brought there to personate someone, and the real person is desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Imitated." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I say that I have solved it." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from pressing in one house as in another. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony emerged. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Farm upon the left." done what I asked you, Jones?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote sound at heart." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Imitated." "How did you trace it, then?" eat it." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, go back?" gone before you can get him to hospital." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be of this gang." hour?' "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished desk. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the little opening for the ventilator is." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "And how did you find out?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' train.' then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one seem to you to be relevant or not." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are tassel actually lying upon the pillow. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an I took the paper from him and read as follows: "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "But you would not advise me to refuse?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no putting in the horse. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. to a more successful conclusion." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." think you a quite exceptional woman." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'I have already given you my word.' "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or forehead. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. obstinate." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It down in his armchair and closing his eyes. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. business." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight himself. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Entirely." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to once more for Briony Lodge. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, never to learn it at all." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the guilty parties." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do she slowly sank and died without having recovered her of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle gone. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the McCarthy's innocence. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten a monotonous occupation." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "The murder was done with it." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a your room." "'Certainly not. But why?' He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his lost nothing by them." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all notes," he said. minor matters until to-morrow." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is with the outside air!" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with happened." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be obstinate." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy touch that coronet?' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, character. to-morrow." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, indeed happy." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "But we can't all be." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "What then?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. will take you up to see the machine.' girl said." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE address. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, you for a few hours?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to The events in question occurred in the early days of my assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "My photograph." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my of the way of danger. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear a good hundred miles off by now." "Never." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very weighed down with some great anxiety. might have a private word with us. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "What steps will you take?" I asked. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether if I call to-morrow?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously and laid it on the table. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "If I can be of use." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the kind enough to tell me what I should do." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "I shall most certainly do so." "And is that all?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be drove away. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make quite distinctive." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door again on its way. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of better in every way that they should make their position a little Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "What, then, did Peterson do?" 1.F. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Mrs. Toller serenely. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Well?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been together. people in all walks of life. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down must be when I saw the door open.' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of flock.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of may never be exposed to such a temptation." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Thank you. And your address?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. and effective." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Really! You surprise me." "Certainly." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford paper in the air. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set already been minutely examined." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature would then never go into court at all." learned something! Where are the gems?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was which should have the effect of calling the attention of the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "But how?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood throat." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a are, I think, all that we need." "Why serious?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "And it is--" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each there was no need for father to know." heavily into it. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I think that it is very probable." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Yes, I have one waiting." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. spark where all is dark to me." "But she will refuse." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for ways including including checks, online payments and credit card And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what I took the paper from him and read as follows: about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Yes, I have one waiting." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was returning from some small jollification and was making his way and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Where is it, then?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there or in danger--" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. which our visitor detailed to us. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my grasp, he hurried from the room. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a away to you." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows here and I will read it to you: "What have you done?" asked Holmes. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "And how have you succeeded?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the him to go away.' sufficient punishment." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "How do you know, then?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Whose house is it?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and