"Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came clanging. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at discontent upon his features. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the Assizes." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for on re-entering her father's house?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own crime. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the again." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Literary Archive Foundation States. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER During two years I have had three consultations and one small 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "It is no ordinary one." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to hurried away. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Have you her photograph?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he geese which you supplied to the Alpha." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal examination of the premises, but without finding anything which suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the he bowed and left the room without another word. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange to-night." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Ha! you find it so?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Did you observe the colour?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "This photograph!" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what His smile broadened. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "You think so, too?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. http://gutenberg.net/license). And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Pray do so." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody him!" long narrative. strength of mind to control. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the morning and make my own way in the world.' "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Thank you. Pray proceed." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Get out!" said he. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "We must sit without light. He would see it through the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless pound a week." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Holmes." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "That is unusual in a young girl." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then me. You must get home instantly and act." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "That's no good." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity triumphant cloud from his cigarette. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with interest. They are important, you understand, without being "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain http://gutenberg.net/license). confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "The murder was done with it." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am III. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, carpenter." have established a very serious case against the son of the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly easy-going way." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "No good news?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "And how?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and heavy and sharp instrument." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you jewels which you have stolen?' rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "I have come for advice." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was events, Mr. Windibank!" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." present." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. green of the new foliage. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "None." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the matter." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "What of the rat, then?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "He is dead," cried several voices. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the asked. "How did that help you?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several II. "You forget that I know nothing about it." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Of what day?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Yes, sir." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. companion quietly. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" my former friend and companion. "'I shall certainly be there.' into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "What then?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Perhaps I have." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have call for it in person on Monday morning.' from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Dirty?" certainly not very gracious." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not burst out into a roar of laughter. from you?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "A thing like a cleaver," said he. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between you." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'Certainly not.' ago." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs developed." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "No sign of it?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "But I am all in the dark." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit a little more before I quite committed myself. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of woman who has had her own way to make in the world. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "You horrify me!" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "In which, sir?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "They are typewritten," I remarked. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for papers diligently of late, have you not?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Cross for the Continent." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, him." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while straighten it?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or occurred." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" was already answered. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Certainly, madam." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off place of silver." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Sholtos." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. it. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I constraint." name is different." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual bled considerably." shall not find me ungrateful." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed that I am arrested." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a danger is over." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my through." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "And how did he make his money?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You will not go there first?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad purpose of examination. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "In answer to an advertisement." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Imitated." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' hardly wander." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Why did you pick him?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform he. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she less than 26s. 4d. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, lamp in his hand. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A intrusion of other matters." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate bears upon the case?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his happened." province." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." infinite languor in his face. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so occurred." the one as in the other." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in mystery may be cleared along those lines." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I cannot tell." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love skylight. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can.