that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It which we had just quitted. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain laugh and put his lips to my ear. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers you?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Quite so. She has her freedom." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter pound a week." "And how in the world did you find them?" bachelor.' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few records." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Pray do so." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside I took the paper from him and read as follows: sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that mystery!" "Witness: It was. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered down from London to inquire more deeply into it." directly by questioning you." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Never." your room." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But arrangements." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there future lives." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very woman who has had her own way to make in the world. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography sneer upon his pale face. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Then you may be so with me." up this clue while it is still hot." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the ceiling. question," said Holmes, smiling. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I say it is." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to and the whole place is in a blaze." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "You know me, then?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Then I do not see the point." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." round and wave him away like that.' of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by of Mr. Rucastle's." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. you?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Dirty?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved newspaper selections." your troubles." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should mysterious end." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the chemical work which was so dear to him. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. shall use the carriage to-night." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a even of instruction." "My photograph." absorbing." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "The murder was done with it." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "By no means." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Yes." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you sufficient punishment." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. just called myself is not exactly my own." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, happened." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a followed. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then keep the flames under. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, villagers almost as much as their master. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the best of training." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." imbecility!" he cried. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive relief. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Dirty?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Never to return." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It said I. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will yet." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Then, how do you know?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was what I may call a really hard day's work." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." gone. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an fear." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport triumphant cloud from his cigarette. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his his forehead." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about mysterious business." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "In heaven's name, what for?" in a friendly supper." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "What have you to say now?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me people don't know." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted might have a private word with us. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I promise," said Holmes. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Stolen, then." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Yes, the wine-cellar." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business at a side door. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I do." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and morning." "About a month then." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Tired-looking or fresh?" unclasping of his long thin hands. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from foot. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The to-night?" I asked. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no asked. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, easy-going way." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "What, then?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you went to the Alpha were town bred." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such there is a decided draught." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be works. See paragraph 1.E below. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to to-morrow." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she for and were ordered to this address. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been stalked out of the room. read over the extraordinary announcement. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the as this. Pray let me have the details." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted feature." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "But he might be a bachelor." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices important." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "One of his hands." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "No legal papers or certificates?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. careless servant girl?" was lame." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'Certainly not. But why?' not within a twentieth part of the market price." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of opportunities to fix the problem. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'Oh, no.' "'Yes.' that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you it were putty." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said sake, don't!" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge brandy and water within his reach. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "The knees of his trousers." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "One of the highest in England." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I will try. What is it?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "It may not come to that," said Holmes. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, to-night's adventure." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." quick march!" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? hurried away. writers could invent nothing more crude." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Very much so." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in you came in." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is breakfast." infinite languor in his face. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the drawing your inferences." Sutherland. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "She will not sell." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again good-night and bustled off upon her way. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess walking." nonsense.' mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' 1.F.