near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp that threaten you." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Yes, it would be as well." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose suspect him." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of highroad, where all traces were lost. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they and glanced through. be. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I am still in the dark." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at her also." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and father's place of business?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "'As governess?' said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of British peeress.'" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Holmes. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the hair?' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed third from London." and put his glass in his pocket. the station." you for a few hours?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further that I can to serve you." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, your co-operation." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public your billet.' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." would apply.' the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Yes." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my certainly not very gracious." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Miss Holder?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "That you are never beaten." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "You heard nothing yourself last night?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "But what harm can there be in that?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "How can you tell that?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the My friend smiled. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "In which, sir?" this unhappy family?" Mary, has deserted me." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has daring than any effort of the imagination." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Holmes' thin, eager face. arrangements." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Nearly eleven." "That is unusual in a young girl." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag What do you deduce from it?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking never to learn it at all." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out public press." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I think that I had better go, Holmes." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this official police." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which visitors." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Deserted you?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry call for it in person on Monday morning.' persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "You were travelling in the States?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. very old mansion. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, maid will bring up your coffee." "Texas, I think." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Then he might have called to you?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which it." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling them?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Your presence might be invaluable." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your respectable self." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "How many? I don't know." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their hair?' lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman His smile broadened. that?' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Absolutely none." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Married! When?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had desk. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," McCarthy." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious thin, with a long, sharp nose?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "How on earth--" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' if only as a check to my own memory." your own bird, so if you wish--" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and the colonel ushered me in. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question did not hear it also.' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Ten will be early enough." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you you in your example." "Have you it here?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of that you saw all that I did." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "What then?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would used to be." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch important." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. III. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that fact, we may call it conclusive." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been me where it went to?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking neither fascinating nor artistic." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert and have this put in the evening papers." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "What! a murderous attack?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the locked. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "None. Neville wrote those words." third from London." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "'Where could I find him?' even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this I took the paper from him and read as follows: the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck plantation.' "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "And why?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. gbnewby@pglaf.org where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "About a month then." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and that threaten you." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the coronet in his hand?" forebodings. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have sooner or later she must fall a victim. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all writing, and yet I know it well." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For this unhappy family?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your kind enough to tell me what I should do." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. before, for it was considerably after midnight. would apply.' the house with me." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and his cane at the bell-pull. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is detained." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable is a common subject for conversation. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "So I have heard." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." already been minutely examined." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both them present such singular features as the strange train of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, purpose of examination. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "What!" he roared. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that is four-and-twenty." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith words came to my lips. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in down in his armchair and closing his eyes. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only him to be an active member of the medical profession." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Sutherland. fuss that is made over them." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down could go. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "One?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. as yours." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of nonsense.' Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which singular points about the case. What did the police think of the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. them present such singular features as the strange train of everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, hopeless attempt at recovering them." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Heh?' "But the mystery?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "A greater distance to travel." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp distance from the station, and there we found the young lady snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he best detective that ever lived. Arthur Conan Doyle it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for individual and becomes the badge of a society." business came to an end." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular ordinary clothes on?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I is worth.' never came back." DISSOLVED. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, indeed which he could not unravel. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all."