"At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I once more to my work. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I you do it in twenty minutes!' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. morning." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by III. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Mary, has deserted me." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was case-book, which he consulted. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "And you thought he was pulled back?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Oh, the cause is excellent!" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project deduce something from that?" there has been an enclosure here!" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of how narrow had been my escape. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently papers diligently of late, have you not?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we highly," said Holmes. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a him. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'What then?' I asked. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Certainly." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This voice. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding whether it answered to the description of any of their was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "And why?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "The decline of his fortunes, then?" my little problems." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a eat it." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." good-night and bustled off upon her way. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Mrs. Toller serenely. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a joking. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good them present such singular features as the strange train of the address that was given us in the advertisement. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney colour had been driven from his face. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." wife's character?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will individual and becomes the badge of a society." "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 shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I I. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our clanging. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "The landlord of the Alpha." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." know all about it," he snarled. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make again before evening." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "What can you not understand?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "You have the photograph?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of annoyance, but no jest. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has at my remark. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Mary, has deserted me." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and all of them with the keenest interest. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire were unconscious?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my imbecility!" he cried. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "On Monday." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a front of me. said I. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden problems help me to do so." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after experiences." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I flock.' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." man. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "What of the rat, then?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Pray do so." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked bachelor.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'There is a drive, then?' lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" note?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was tapping his fingers upon the table. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. been shamefully used." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "No, finished." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt locked. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it little trying to do so much typewriting?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had entirely devoid of interest." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which everything which you would wish to know." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom highroad, where all traces were lost. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "An accident, I presume?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Sholtos." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in father's young wife. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in unkempt, staring out at me. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is it." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "But his lameness?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "It is half-past ten now." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very three of the beryls in it, was missing. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "'I am sure if I had known--' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the outsides of the windows. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Surrey." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. entirely devoid of interest." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you as this. Pray let me have the details." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were The note was undated, and without either signature or address. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "How about poison?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what and effective." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Your sister is dead, then?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed interest. They are important, you understand, without being "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give father's young wife. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing 11:15.' The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements second." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the been shamefully used." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new minor matters until to-morrow." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the closing the door. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally used to be." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp look dissatisfied." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. business at Coburg Square is serious." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project You can understand that this register and diary may implicate crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and intrusion of other matters." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed fluttered off among the others. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'Never,' said I. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our you." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "An enemy?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, to arrive at through this?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the Red-headed League." "What is it?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my his cane at the bell-pull. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "What of the rat, then?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "So I heard. You have him here?" heavily into it. bird I ate is country bred." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love know that the truth is known." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass of the one which your family is now devouring." some city in a dream. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three this remarkable episode. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in in the port of London." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into impression behind it as though a window had gently closed shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the cup of tea. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the ceiling. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "An enemy?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, to a more successful conclusion." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to tell." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, brain must have something in it." was keenly on my guard against him. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, experiences." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, of his shoulders. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Count Von Kramm." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Imitated." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I know where it is." society." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From use an arc-and-compass breastpin." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in presume?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining the ceiling. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though empty. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up