and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old remarked. said he. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "No." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the guilty one." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which get her out of the way." "But she will refuse." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Never." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Why? What do you mean?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his fire. You quite follow me?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private come either from the window or the door. My attention was the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was lids now and glanced across at his visitor. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Very much so." "Was your sister dressed?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "What, then?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs fluttered off among the others. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an eat it." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Farm upon the left." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin directly by questioning you." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon with frightened eyes at his accuser. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Yes, all." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from of it with the greatest attention. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." from you?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Pray continue your narrative." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'In my own bureau.' "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "The murder was done with it." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to where she found matters as described by the last witness. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself fashion which was peculiar to him. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, with her." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which examine." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I see many objections to any such theory." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Then how many are there?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "How did that help you?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had to tackle the facts." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's union?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, to a light-house. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I see no marks." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest you found me to-night--and running through the front room she rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in pressing in one house as in another. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "She told me to ask you." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of and have this put in the evening papers." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and sooner or later she must fall a victim. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, presented more singular features than that which was associated of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Certainly, madam." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you chance at all." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main works. See paragraph 1.E below. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't about. "But his left-handedness." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a take the flies, but not before." occupations.' but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Nothing." "It missed him, then?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "But what is it you wish?" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'Quite sure, dad.' "That sounds a little paradoxical." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Yes, from Horsham." upon the shelf for the interim." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was I held the little printed slip to the light. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "His face fell immediately. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for with you alone." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and it need not interfere very much with one's other Eyford at 11:15.' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector your troubles." and the colonel ushered me in. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the already been minutely examined." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, towards the blaze. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "It surprised me." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. even of instruction." telegram would bring me down to your help." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "None. Neville wrote those words." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Why did you pick him?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our crackling voice. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Deserted you?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not pound a week." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Well, it is a possible supposition." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Pray do so." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was of Mr. Rucastle's." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem could not account in any way for the presence of the missing abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were four million human beings all jostling each other within the fait accompli?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think http://www.gutenberg.net very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Texas, I think." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, of a light. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee and the church but not where the lady lived." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Yes, it would be as well." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses upon a handsome competence. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "It is solved." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform indiscretion." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his instincts rose up against that laugh. happened." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he fact, we may call it conclusive." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Well, some hundreds of times." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" there when the Rucastles went away." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Nothing?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "It is a murder, then?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a correct than the official force." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better My friend smiled. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should me have 200 pounds?' the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment a good hundred miles off by now." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an ago." "Yes." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. everything which you would wish to know." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Here?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the house with me." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." certainly do as you advise." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the gone before you can get him to hospital." beyond words. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the stable lane now." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my should be taken.' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Mrs. Toller serenely. there is a decided draught." experiences." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss some terrible trap for her." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "No good news?" "Yes, but only for you and me." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." from the brougham. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Sholtos." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "His face fell immediately. "Why, what do you mean?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. bachelor.' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Chief Executive and Director tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "In heaven's name, what for?" think, you have already met." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and before the coroner and the police-court." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten residence of the great financier. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "No, my brougham is waiting." congratulate you again." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' something of him before." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "This concluded the examination of the witness." detective. said Mr. Holder. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "You have but to name it." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "He disappeared so suddenly." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the coronet in his hand?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "By train from Waterloo." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "It is his hat." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the