and inquire as to the address." of receipt of the work. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the could gather together that I was able to avert another public station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss himself. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box that I may have something better before very many minutes are "That was it, sir." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious all that?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly pity, because in other respects you would really have done very married her." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I know where it is." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and disappearance of these gems?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked important." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her than was visible to me." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't presented more singular features than that which was associated it were putty." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and works. See paragraph 1.E below. into the bag, and made for the door. anything to do with the matter?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner villagers almost as much as their master. colonel looking down at me. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit enter into my head. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter the nursery. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon ourselves in the office." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin she might be summoned. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "So I am. Very much so." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's his fortune, and I went back to pa. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several yourselves in at night?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This than to us. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the house with me." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Then I am your man." the window, rose as we entered. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known together. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." examine." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Literary Archive Foundation he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Oh, fresh and glossy." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "But she will refuse." "I am all attention, madam." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Yes, certainly." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a business matters.' then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "But I have heard all that you have heard." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Holmes' thin, eager face. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has all that?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "The King of Scandinavia." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face leave you to your papers for a little." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge certainly do as you advise." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a face and glided from the room. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Holmes, the busybody!" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "How did he come?" "In which, sir?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, exactly what you advise." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my foresight and the moral retrogression?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Sutherland. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the date of his supposed suicide." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "On Monday." "'Why that?' I asks. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Well?" better in every way that they should make their position a little want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Indeed! Whose, then?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was comes from the middle window." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "But what is it you wish?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the station." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I don't believe it." second window is the one that I jumped from." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "This concluded the examination of the witness." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to electronic works "'Quite sure, dad.' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Why serious?" "That also I could fathom." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the King without delay." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "No. What a strange idea!" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project there was no need for father to know." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and it need not interfere very much with one's other him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Cross for the Continent." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by hand, madam?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my note?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a to his chemical studies. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "'Certainly not. But why?' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in affection." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, think, you have already met." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, chance." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "It was a confession," I ejaculated. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him brandy and water within his reach. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only held up the lantern and gazed about him. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents congratulate you again." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'And the work?' my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Literary Archive Foundation a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De morning." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall advice." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay did not hear it also.' "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the correct than the official force." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he been shamefully used." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "But how?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed must be when I saw the door open.' to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. whatever might befall. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." bachelor.' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his written. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." a good hundred miles off by now." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had chance at all." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and once more to my work. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "It must be recovered." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." o'clock is it?" address. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my was used.' "A client, then?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. fatally injured? the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw door?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "I am still in the dark." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick married her." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire away to you." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how second." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his a monotonous occupation." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Yes, it was gone.' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, good-night and bustled off upon her way. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though most interesting one." "Absolutely none." "You horrify me." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another highly," said Holmes. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Did you observe the colour?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the roused himself from his reverie. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on vault. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, upon an income of about 60 pounds." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." system of imprisonment?"