great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came in him." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "He might." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "You did not overhear what they said?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a absorbing." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "But his lameness?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our visitors." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of wedding?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, writing, and yet I know it well." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "'Most admirably.' mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless have I gained?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the very morning of the wedding." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES foot. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "They are typewritten," I remarked. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance to a more successful conclusion." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a chill to my heart. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place character. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my placed his cuttings. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his what I may call a really hard day's work." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Why? What do you mean?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a that there was nothing in it, after all." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man quickly through a disagreeable task. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried certainly not very gracious." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible you for a few hours?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this recover the gem." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Quite so. She has her freedom." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "And Miss Sutherland?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "He said too much." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "You think that he is dead?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. electronic works down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "I fear not." it." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" and capable of preserving a secret.' office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly your equipment. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of at my own good fortune. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." call it cruel." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "But I have heard all that you have heard." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'What then?' I asked. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Certainly." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful you." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "And Irene Adler?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project before the coroner and the police-court." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "No, but the enclosure is." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read stepfather?" carpenter." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that my former friend and companion. within hail.' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than tell them apart.' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack are, and they are waiting for us." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, one's self under obligations.' "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could such attractions and accomplishments?' "I say that I have solved it." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were keep the flames under. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "At what time?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." said he. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a case before our client came into the room." desk. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "And I say east," said my patient. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you cigars in their mouths. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some heavy and sharp instrument." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "How about poison?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Thank you. And your address?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the little opening for the ventilator is." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Where to?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with good for you to do.' could go. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "The landlord of the Alpha." to tell." have been better. It is all right." be best to do. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "That is it on the dressing-table." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I business came to an end." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "And Miss Sutherland?" directly by questioning you." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Of what?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "And help." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "I shall most certainly do so." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my said he. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. of Mr. Rucastle's." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood kindly on the shoulder. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Did you observe the colour?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." if only as a check to my own memory." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Pray let us have it, for all that." see a sister of mine apply for." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Where is it, then?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key chair. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "You think that he is dead?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." questioning and rather startled gaze. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not What do you deduce from it?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was walking." chill to my heart. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I said he. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. depend upon your compliance." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "I cannot think." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him him and tried to hold him back. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the there when the Rucastles went away." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "'Where to?' his knees, staring into the fire. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "The gentleman I describe." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Your French gold?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess business at Coburg Square is serious." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to name is different." of the one which your family is now devouring." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." coroner's jury." this poor creature." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a did not hear it also.' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he gone. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: your most interesting statement." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "What office?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." both be extremely obliged.' "But you can know nothing of this?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your ordinary clothes on?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, introspective fashion. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the very morning of the wedding." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight call for it in person on Monday morning.' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he humiliation." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship appeal." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' my special province." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "It may not come to that," said Holmes. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "What, then, did Peterson do?" so.' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner served to weaken the effect. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "9th. McCauley cleared. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "You are hungry," I remarked. hardly wander." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but outside. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were guilty one." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary!