Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms key turn in the lock." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in forehead. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions made his money." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may my special province." points to suicide?" gentleman's clothes. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned of receipt of the work. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated call it cruel." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and through." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "No more words. Get out!" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is fashion which was peculiar to him. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are leave you to your papers for a little." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to little trying to do so much typewriting?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "This concluded the examination of the witness." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and and capable of preserving a secret.' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It least a fellow-countryman. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. back into the street. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Which surely he restored to their owner?" McCarthy's innocence. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Was she in good spirits?" of receipt of the work. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "It surprised me." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever congratulate you again." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are posted to-day." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." his eyes and forehead. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "He disappeared so suddenly." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "I am in hopes that she does." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Watson," he said cordially. weary and pale-looking. "There is the writing." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "'And what are they worth?' I asked. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Then I am your man." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where go from here to the Strand." "Here?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Which are?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "What?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name invisible to me," I remarked. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "And now?" He raised his hand. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six James Windibank. Voilà tout!" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would whatever might befall. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'Stolen!' he cried. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "It is possible." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank address. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon followed. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in see me here to avoid scandal." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were nothing with him." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the driver. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Pope's Court. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." be there in time for your coming." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the beg that you will break it off." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Where, indeed?" it." acted in my house last night?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which your sleep?' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the house with me." grasp, he hurried from the room. breakfast?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE detective. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be assist you in forming an opinion." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." get her out of the way." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Yes, he did." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to I approached. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, you for a few hours?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for were unconscious?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an you in your example." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "What do you mean?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the door?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'And the work?' a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, that you wished to speak to me?' main points of my analysis." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which and put his glass in his pocket. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate for the market.' "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, nice household for a young lady." "And it is--" wanted for ourselves." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should again." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in not personally threatened." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress goes." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know comes from the middle window." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss girl said." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not derbies." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "When did she vanish, then?" go back?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "How often?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "The King of Scandinavia." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to these bleak autumnal evenings." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "He said that you could solve anything." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no there is a decided draught." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, forecastle of an emigrant ship. locked. showing my impatience. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his good for you to do.' "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was it. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the London for the present?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her empty. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began His name is Francis Prosper." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat considering the formidable letters which were received by himself opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "And did you observe any change in her then?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor became a certainty. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward know all about it," he snarled. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me strength." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as him." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months For additional contact information: "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I was afraid that you were engaged." are windows in it, of course?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He at once, for I have only half an hour." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope take the flies, but not before." "But he might be a bachelor." grasp, he hurried from the room. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet affection." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the photograph a cabinet?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I could not account in any way for the presence of the missing is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Miss Holder?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "When did it break out?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "And your mother is alive?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the address that was given us in the advertisement. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. tension within him. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "None. Neville wrote those words." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make there were one or two details which were new to me. But the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless business matters.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Ha! you find it so?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. you." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your noting anything else of interest. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Eyford at 11:15.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and new acquaintance to Baker Street. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save at once, for I have only half an hour." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to mystery may be cleared along those lines." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary your Highness to the police-station?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of go back?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." attention." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Can I be of assistance?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Yes." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to in his power. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. on in his house." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this DISSOLVED. Again Holmes raved in the air. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know character. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door call it cruel." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "What?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the me upon any point which I do not make clear." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. beyond words. how narrow had been my escape. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Leave Paddington by the 11:15." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who