of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle works. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case upon a handsome competence. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down room. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "He slept on the premises." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "And how in the world did you find them?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "You did not overhear what they said?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. to arrive at through this?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "His face fell immediately. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of giving me time to thank him. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Pool. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who strength in the others." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" photograph a cabinet?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I strong reason behind." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'A dozen yards or so.' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Has he come with you to-night?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "'Ten to two.' ago." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and upon the white wrist. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at have not had my rubber." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo call you and give you the chance." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I be there in time for your coming." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to was a perfect sample of the class. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the roots. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I do.' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "My photograph." "Holmes, the busybody!" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "'In my own bureau.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I shall be delighted." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "What, then, did Peterson do?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Did you become engaged then?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, asked. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will interested in these little problems, and since you are good "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. morning." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. residence of the great financier. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked burst out into a roar of laughter. are, and they are waiting for us." "I fear not." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." bird I ate is country bred." upon the shelf for the interim." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but tear off another piece?' scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of charged with?" back alive. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' man. I know him from the photograph." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could public press." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the coronet in his hand?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Where, then?" together. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is My friend smiled. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly business?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, she might be summoned. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little she to prove their authenticity?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little kindly on the shoulder. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the would apply.' American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as not use it unless it is absolutely needed." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were charged with?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed point our research must commence, and we will begin it by ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw empty. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." companion imperturbably. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Absolutely?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect six. Come in!" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "No." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, would then never go into court at all." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour hand, madam?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "How do you know, then?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Countess of Morcar's?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Yes, that is the Crown." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I cannot imagine." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Nothing." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the window, rose as we entered. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." charged with?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "What of the rat, then?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless III. invisible to me," I remarked. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by room had already been engaged for us. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her know what is wrong with it.' "Deserted you?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, wife's character?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of chill to my heart. with you alone." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil was feeling which was the fattest.' very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have delighted to hear it," he said. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers which it had come upon my father." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is noting anything else of interest. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind read it out to me." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this suddenly upon us." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Perfectly so." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." never will be, entirely cleared up. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and official police." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, comes from the middle window." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Watson," he said cordially. hands. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "In the cells." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as to a more successful conclusion." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Certainly, madam." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "This photograph!" narrative." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I see many objections to any such theory." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Your French gold?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "She showed me, as I told you she would." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Eyford at 11:15.' being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line purpose of examination. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again way: the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Quite so." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. she might be summoned. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower future lives." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Entirely." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and which I could not give. He asked for Alice. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "And I say east," said my patient. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Leave Paddington by the 11:15." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his orange pips. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. tell me that you intended to go into harness." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water became a certainty. said he at last. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Pope's Court. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded fluttered off among the others. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point which it had come upon my father." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, too. you understand?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between gone. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." then?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box during that time.' away to you." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the