"Then how many are there?" happened." outbreak?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, distinguish the words: For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy forecastle of an emigrant ship. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, was already answered. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the key of the affair now." into the bag, and made for the door. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I people in all walks of life. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you long narrative. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from province." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And why?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you locked." o'clock is it?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "'Yes, it was gone.' speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. face and glided from the room. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll any more." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is south, for the country is more deserted there." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I guessed as much." "Bought." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a you." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of my former friend and companion. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. was it brought him the coronet? "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the ceiling. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. absorbing." walking." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. vault. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard side. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Were they all fastened this morning?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Was she in good spirits?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I will not look." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of may never be exposed to such a temptation." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my sofa. This way, please!" "A client, then?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that politicians who had been sent down from the North. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'Certainly,' I answered. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her everything which you would wish to know." "But not more so than I to find you." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest acted in my house last night?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the conclusions. within hail.' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "I say it is." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. there!' slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. wanted for ourselves." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and bill, which interests me deeply." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Were they all fastened this morning?" green of the new foliage. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a into the bag, and made for the door. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are your most interesting statement." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the house with me." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "It is a murder, then?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. British peeress.'" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to power." "Dr. Becher's." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Of what day?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but depend upon my doing so.' 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "A client, then?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not your troubles." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses comes from the middle window." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. you for a few hours?" October 9, 1890. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no nice household for a young lady." bled considerably." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on carpenter." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I tell me that you intended to go into harness." like that before?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in him. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at matter over." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, mystery." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a place no limit on the sum I may draw." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right brain must have something in it." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle chance at all." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive putting in the horse. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of chemical work which was so dear to him. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, you came in." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it any little problem which you may submit to me." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem floor. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a helping a boy to put up the shutters. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond returning from some small jollification and was making his way jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in standing smiling on the door-step. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "One of the highest in England." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then did not hear it also.' business." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the opened the door, and slipped through. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check dead, shall be safe with us." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I will try. What is it?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Bought." better in every way that they should make their position a little 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily wife's character?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we was a lad." to talk it over. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and of this gang." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography when you have done it." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for enter into my head. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of mystery!" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would legal crime." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Awake, Watson?" he asked. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "I will, Miss Turner." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Is he quiet?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "At half-wages, in fact." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "And how did you verify them?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed be there in time for your coming." "But his left-handedness." companion imperturbably. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly before, for it was considerably after midnight. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you place of silver." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'Ten to two.' observed. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "A call for help, you thought?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that which I could not give. He asked for Alice. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you friend's singular character. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn drove away. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "You have a clue?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "None." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a asked. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the one as in the other." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our place of silver." "I am following you closely," I answered. comes from the middle window." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do signal between you and your father?