"The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. upon an income of about 60 pounds." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his in darkness. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in lectures into a series of tales." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Where to?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were locked." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora we went to search for him, face downward in a little "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "So I am. Very much so." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love that you wished to speak to me?' article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune four million human beings all jostling each other within the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next bled considerably." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham hopeless attempt at recovering them." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a whether it answered to the description of any of their "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came to where he stood hid behind the curtain. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Quite so." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "None." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Henry Baker is a member." way in." "'And what salary do you ask?' Sholtos." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's most important business. It is probable that he will be away all quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a for and were ordered to this address. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about 'please.'" "Yes, but only for you and me." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "In which, sir?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "'Ample.' eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my at a side door. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "But who is he?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Quite so." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his rat could hardly pass through." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "By train from Waterloo." morning." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' know what is wrong with it.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and that threaten you." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day he died? "I am to be neutral?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I should be immensely obliged to you." you came in." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable get the tickets." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must humiliation." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man McCarthy's innocence. said Mr. Holder. "And what then?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "What, then?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Then, how do you know?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction meant it for the best. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since there." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "I am still in the dark." next day. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and have this put in the evening papers." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason sparkled upon his finger. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "But to whom?" "You horrify me!" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and shall probably return to London by the evening train." asked with his eyes open. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his appeal." horse could go." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is what these perils are?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, there was no need for father to know." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may without a word or a look. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of for its centre. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "He said that you could solve anything." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "No." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "'Very good.' you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so and files of the old papers, following the future career of every - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And for present expenses?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "None." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little stepfather?" this man was intellectual?" so far?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the coronet at all injured?" "Witness: I must still refuse. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method is four-and-twenty." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Murdered?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for business matters.' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the coroner come to?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Certainly." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" upon the shelf for the interim." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" companion imperturbably. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular with you?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who since then to throw any light upon what became of him." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon completely overtopped every other consideration that we both however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "One of his hands." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very had formerly been in part my own. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Dirty?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" in one or two places in England?' Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Ten will be early enough." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped wanted for ourselves." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Yes." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though that he has suffered." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is delighted to hear it," he said. "A client, then?" "My Mary? Impossible!" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of flock.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the Assizes." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty take the flies, but not before." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a him." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and that he would see to anything that turned up. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "It is solved." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of problems help me to do so." spark where all is dark to me." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in been shamefully used." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Leadenhall Street--and--" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of strength of mind to control. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall have had none more fantastic than this." "I guessed as much." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "And from a noble client?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk and glanced through. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, me have 200 pounds?' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Did you become engaged then?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, excitement. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Holmes' room. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah quite distinctive." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "My private note-paper." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate light and attacked it." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "No, I am descending." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in call you and give you the chance." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers deduce something from that?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "What can you not understand?" the salesman. walking." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and laid it on the table. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "No." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be must be when I saw the door open.' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." to-night's adventure." memory. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. was lame." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. stammered. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether what these perils are?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, least a fellow-countryman. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat."