months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the morning." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can never came back." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my definite end. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "It was." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Ah!" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I cannot as yet see any connection." strode off upon his way. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. fluttered off among the others. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that trifles." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be what is your own theory as to what took place?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Well." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may public press." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'Never.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "I say that I have solved it." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "And why?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Eh? What was that?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white recover the gem." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall sufficient punishment." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he been." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, your troubles." "It is half-past ten now." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" golden eyeglasses. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Game for a morning drive?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several a room. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the this poor creature." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Will you go?" unprofitable." criminal. We have already had experience of such." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. said he. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife 11:15.' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all meant it for the best. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Yes." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "You'll never persuade me to believe that." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his enter Dr. Roylott's room." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits presented more singular features than that which was associated the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "And help." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "How do you know, then?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales matters immensely." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of congratulate you again." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "What office?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a companion. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with could not account in any way for the presence of the missing you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must brought there to personate someone, and the real person is follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable death." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently suspect him." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended companion quietly. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "It certainly sounds feasible." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' second window is the one that I jumped from." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number morning." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "I am in hopes that she does." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what held up the lantern and gazed about him. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Stolen, then." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "None." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Oh, yes, easily." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It remarked. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'Yes.' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As of receipt of the work. events than those which have happened in my own family." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Upon what point?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "That also I could fathom." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the be best to do. one of them." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'What, the red-headed man?' turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable your only hope of safety." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our exactly what you advise." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed all?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting shoulder. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I garden below. charged with?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after chair. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any chance at all." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of to you." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by look upon these things in a different way." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" have not had my rubber." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to better in every way that they should make their position a little has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the golden eyeglasses. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more coroner's jury." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to some mystery and the punishment of some crime." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something following enigmatical notices: "The vanishing of the lady." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "That is easily got." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Then the page we have seen--" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Precisely." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn You want to know what became of those geese?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "So I heard. You have him here?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important have one." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it heavy and sharp instrument." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "I was mad--insane." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there I approached. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Well, some hundreds of times." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "At half-wages, in fact." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "It came here." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." to a light-house. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly chance." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Was your sister dressed?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I open." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to three fields round his house, and there he would take his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the window, rose as we entered. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. entirely devoid of interest." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet was keenly on my guard against him. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each of Fenchurch Street." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven depend upon my doing so.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Nothing." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps in. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "But what harm can there be in that?" annoyance, but no jest. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their individual and becomes the badge of a society." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I promise," said Holmes. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Deserted you?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one one of the states of the Union." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position his fortune, and I went back to pa. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City noble correspondent could be. them?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "None." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich of a light. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his get her out of the way." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that seen the man in the road." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Chief Executive and Director have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' situation." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a than to us. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute copied or distributed: "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "No, I think that I'll take it." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock for the market.' to arrive at through this?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "'Why that?' I asks.