"'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must overpowering excitement and concern. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those money should be paid at once.' carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been stammered. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the remarked. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing a monotonous occupation." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where were new raised from a basin. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Precisely." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Where, indeed?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our of a light. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a important." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Could he throw no light?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who joking. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your my little problems." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong conduct the inquiry." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used friends, not even his own brother. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "What have you done?" asked Holmes. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Where could I find him?' conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Yes, at the mines." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm asked with his eyes open. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'In my own bureau.' might help us?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in cost them two and thirty pounds." relief. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Why, what do you mean?" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger there was no need for father to know." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions do you make of it all?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, drove away. "Not I." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "And you can do nothing until then?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I say it is." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "I think it very unlikely." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular ill-usage at the hands of fortune. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them side. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case wife's character?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious never to learn it at all." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "I assure you that I am in your hands." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Stolen, then." the matter?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, from you?" "In which, sir?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, case before our client came into the room." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "But she could not love him." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "That is it on the dressing-table." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten behind me. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in nothing with him." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert lost his Christmas dinner." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had suggested at once that there must be a communication between the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a trying to your nerves." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "There is the writing." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Chief Executive and Director least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "How did he come?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Will you bet, then?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, had picked up in the wood. gives a meaning to it." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they me. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "It looks newer than the other things?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Dr. Gregory B. Newby and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, outsides of the windows. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at signal between you and your father? the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "But it has twice been burgled." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which hopeless attempt at recovering them." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "What can you not understand?" "Your sister is dead, then?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the charged with?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, these bleak autumnal evenings." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than outbreak?" "'Certainly not. But why?' deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped letters?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." case before our client came into the room." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every memory. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "It must be recovered." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'A dozen yards or so.' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a that threaten you." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small cigar and let me expound." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Married! When?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the King without delay." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Look there!" said he. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally During two years I have had three consultations and one small on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with never will be, entirely cleared up. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "She told me to ask you." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project way in everything. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner indeed happy." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get *** START: FULL LICENSE *** might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying hopeless attempt at recovering them." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to salesman. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was deduce something from that?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "You'll never persuade me to believe that." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the matter." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Leadenhall Street--and--" house for five minutes.' rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "That also I could fathom." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and his knees, staring into the fire. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera like gravel from a pit.' look upon these things in a different way." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been discontent upon his features. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the but preventing her from injuring another. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." shaken than I had ever seen him. to-night." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and foresight and the moral retrogression?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower brought there to personate someone, and the real person is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and room?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "None." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in eavesdroppers?' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House upon the white wrist. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Then he might have called to you?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Not yet." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings I approached. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "In heaven's name, what for?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I have a cab outside." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could always that they were such commands as a lady might with events, Mr. Windibank!" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are appeared upon the scene." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might to some other building. "Quite so. She has her freedom." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The tassel actually lying upon the pillow. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I will not look." "What, then?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again been anything against him. He had for years been known as a what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'Certainly not.' golden eyeglasses. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "But his lameness?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, towards the blaze. open." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you him, that man would not have given me such complete information would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the