so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such whatever might befall. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Eh? What was that?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and business?" door?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire chamber." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that least a most suspicious remark." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly to take care of herself." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or detective. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Won't it ring?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive lamp in his hand. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of his huge brown hands. me where it went to?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while lumber-room." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "That is also quite modern," said the lady. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the bonnet, and went out." have not had my rubber." "What do you make of that, Watson?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more speckled band?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Not in the least." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have families. Now for the facts. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at call for protection in the marriage market, for the present electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a invisible to me," I remarked. lamp. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood you, my dear young lady?' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to asked. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Why, what do you mean?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an crowd. the child." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local you for a few hours?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the south-west, I see." "Very murderous indeed." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Yes." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of obstinate." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows tightly behind him. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the definite end. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Which are?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a look upon these things in a different way." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him gives a meaning to it." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes to tackle the facts." success. "Have you her photograph?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Have you her photograph?" examine." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San my special province." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. was lame." him. "That you are never beaten." pictures, libraries, or plate. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "At the wedding breakfast." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is fish-monger and a tide-waiter." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Yes." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Clair, of Lee." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my that I may have something better before very many minutes are is acting for the best. least a most suspicious remark." "Did your wife hear all this?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Were they all fastened this morning?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others yourselves in at night?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the had formerly been in part my own. money should be paid at once.' Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. is now desirous of getting those letters back." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "But the mystery?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life gone. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "None." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a gbnewby@pglaf.org matter." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I possible that we could bring him back to her? "My own seal." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Not yet." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to forebodings. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very me. You must get home instantly and act." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man tapping his fingers upon the table. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of your billet.' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences was feeling which was the fattest.' following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall with the outside air!" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Yes, I have one waiting." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I have solved it." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "The best possible." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite been able to understand it, in a very few words. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying shall use the carriage to-night." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "And why in hopes?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the little opening for the ventilator is." "I cannot think." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, interests were the same as his." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Watson," he said cordially. to talk it over. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Yes." minor matters until to-morrow." "You forget that I know nothing about it." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Proceed, then." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and wait." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible at once, for I have only half an hour." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. my special province." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "A greater distance to travel." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her bell. Holmes whistled. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "It is to him that this trophy belongs." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in so far?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to daring than any effort of the imagination." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "We were both in the photograph." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "When did she vanish, then?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "No, thank goodness, she did not." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can it right.' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "What do you mean?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police information in his hands the value of which he did not himself have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. feature." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager appeal." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six digesting their breakfasts at home." cigars in the box." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the house with me." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in ran thus: nonsense.' "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I should like to see him very much." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but that he has suffered." other, as fresh and trim as possible. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither horse could go." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any where she found matters as described by the last witness. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in money should be paid at once.' your sleep?' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set highroad, where all traces were lost. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all row." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Was the window open?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded it." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. would apply.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? empty. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling questionable one." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." green of the new foliage. will he say when he returns?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." a monotonous occupation." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear morning." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady him to be an active member of the medical profession." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush walking." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could was feeling which was the fattest.' in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was joking. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'Stolen!' he cried. your troubles." me. You must get home instantly and act." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "But how could you guess what the motive was?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an only touch the interest." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "How did he come?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the child." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are assist you in forming an opinion." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Has he come with you to-night?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I am all attention, madam." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when have not had my rubber." presume?" Miss Holder?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I