"Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to it." the Assizes." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of prove to be little relation between the different incidents of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "The King of Scandinavia." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "But to whom?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day conclusions. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Leave Paddington by the 11:15." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature reach." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that companion. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the tragedy. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend But Holmes shook his head gravely. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly society." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "And from a noble client?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though opened a pocket-book and took out a note. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'Certainly not. But why?' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I don't believe it." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in carried out of court." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days both be extremely obliged.' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." husband's writing, madam." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "You know me, then?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first sufficient punishment." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem head. So long, then!" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" murdered man." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Yes." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that astonishment. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in other means.' better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "But it has twice been burgled." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked meanly of me." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know he bowed and left the room without another word. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was were unconscious?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider done what I asked you, Jones?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. matter." "And when will you call?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is mysterious end." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a address. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in three fields round his house, and there he would take his great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just compunction about shooting them down." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I empty. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Ample." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from photograph?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Have you good authority for what you say?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an yards of it?' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before families. Now for the facts. be sorry for having acted so harshly." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce residence of the great financier. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still against a man in the prime of life?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' we went to search for him, face downward in a little half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my was the fact that his father should, according to his account, undoubtedly my uncle's." "Yes." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I should be immensely obliged to you." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to of this gang." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "And how in the world did you find them?" matters immensely." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were congenial hunt. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "And now?" He raised his hand. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. in a friendly supper." "So I am. Very much so." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am existence." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his about. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "'In my own bureau.' "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open seen the man in the road." was a loud and authoritative tap. lamp in his hand. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body presented which may be striking and bizarre without being drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" directors, with the result that you have seen." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the know that the truth is known." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the warnings." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she once more. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the would apply.' interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked I nodded again. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the rooms." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on golden eyeglasses. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with fatally injured? "Which are?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "At what time?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and round and wave him away like that.' his wife has ceased to love him." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "The gentleman I describe." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. business came to an end." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Then the page we have seen--" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found whatever might befall. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector and effective." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their answer." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like The telegram which we eventually received came late one night on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do likely to be some crony of the landlady's." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "It was a confession," I ejaculated. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It were unconscious?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Who was the criminal, then?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg American. Then who could this American be, and why should he When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room call the police, let the police find what they can.' The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." what is your own theory as to what took place?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Not in the least." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend case-book, which he consulted. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has my special province." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "My stepfather's business papers." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Then I am your man." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in late." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds indeed which he could not unravel. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it some mystery and the punishment of some crime." This is what he says: observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are one which it was hard to resist. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say to-night." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the window, rose as we entered. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Come in!" said he. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "You horrify me!" "He is dead," cried several voices. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the strength of mind to control. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to been with you?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, fait accompli?" "That is possible." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; asked. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "But the mystery?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Then I can wait in the next room." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already new acquaintance to Baker Street. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my that the gas is not laid on in his house?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings his knees, staring into the fire. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes tied." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty answer." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I cheerful." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his was not a bird to be seen there. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an or in danger--" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a http://www.gutenberg.net go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right round and wave him away like that.' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the in a friendly supper." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Your presence might be invaluable." 1.E.9. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" indiscretion." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to II. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress strode off upon his way. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "None." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, views." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the