this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with upon the white wrist. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "The landlord of the Alpha." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." was already answered. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the morning and make my own way in the world.' located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and later, upon the night of May 2nd." hard-headed British jury." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." compunction about shooting them down." you for a few hours?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few again." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed interest. They are important, you understand, without being rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her some water from a caraffe. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we and put his glass in his pocket. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I cannot tell." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "And you don't know his address?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid them, and came down just as you departed. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded when you have done it." Miss Holder?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a ceremony." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about of receipt of the work. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the you in your example." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his were wasted." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened singular points about the case. What did the police think of the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" I leave." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and looked back. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Pope's Court. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. at home. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. which are rolled in Rotterdam." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an thirty. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked even so self-evident a thing as that." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few dear old homesteads?" evidence," I remarked. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most death." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of like gravel from a pit.' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside that I am arrested." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "One of the highest in England." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled go from here to the Strand." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the definite end. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Always." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you if she died from some sudden fright." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Does that suggest anything?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he speckled band?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven dates and names. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and too. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." present." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent unclasping of his long thin hands. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where you?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very woman." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and capable of preserving a secret.' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "But he might be a bachelor." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a in this note: "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, have I gained?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "And how?" "So I am. Very much so." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your was not a bird to be seen there. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can to have that photograph." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even definite end. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its page at http://pglaf.org upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I will, Miss Turner." ourselves in the office." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "One?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious round with crates and massive boxes. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Very well, sir. And this stone?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, thin legs towards the fire. without a word or a look. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in 11:15.' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'I have heard so.' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. felt?" whereabouts. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Look there!" said he. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of train.' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to and the whole place is in a blaze." "Witness: It was. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "He might." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Entirely." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. tell them apart.' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Yes." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual it." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "By no means." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Leadenhall Street--and--" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled because she had spent so short a time in this country that she and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he union?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for interested in these little problems, and since you are good from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it morning." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was are, and they are waiting for us." six. Come in!" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. writing, and yet I know it well." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in you?' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "10th. John Swain cleared. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies her also." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Then he might have called to you?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my me. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." papers." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, derbies." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my his knees, staring into the fire. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to most interesting one." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the both be extremely obliged.' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Why, it's a dummy," said he. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her enter into my head. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the round and wave him away like that.' enough to aid us in our search." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and little adventures." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "So I have heard." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much yet." of Fenchurch Street." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new second window is the one that I jumped from." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "He disappeared so suddenly." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between made him keep the appointment." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "And how did you verify them?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "To an English lawyer named Norton." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight keep the flames under. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could more solid." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "No." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Count Von Kramm." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased daring than any effort of the imagination." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I read it out to me." "I was mad--insane." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." voice. help us in this matter." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "What shall I do?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "What?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle once more. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Where to?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not good-night and bustled off upon her way. the salesman. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the stones. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his together. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "When did she vanish, then?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "It was an hour's good drive." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Of Friday, June 19th." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "But what will you do?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "In the cells." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest to change my dress. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the views." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our my special province." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Stoke Moran?" said he. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'How far from the body?' "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic dear old homesteads?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had man. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' you in yours." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the photograph a cabinet?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon