The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "'Never,' said I. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "She will not sell." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "And did you observe any change in her then?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "What I expected to see." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "And I say east," said my patient. "None." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Lestrade of Scotland Yard." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen likely to be some crony of the landlady's." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, served to weaken the effect. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a forecastle of an emigrant ship. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "I will try. What is it?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "And did you observe any change in her then?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the skylight. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the window, rose as we entered. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the you." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "'Yes.' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. think that he is innocent?" "So I am. Very much so." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Nothing?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we DISSOLVED. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the what do you think they found in the pockets?" "And what did you learn from him?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform unkempt, staring out at me. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "You have carte blanche." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my secret." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, on re-entering her father's house?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "'Yes, it was gone.' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this directors, with the result that you have seen." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I beg pardon." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "And how did you find out?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Very much so." salesman. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Which surely he restored to their owner?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. meanly of me." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my carpenter." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing province." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, and glanced through. "Stoke Moran?" said he. the coronet in his hands?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Cross for the Continent." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay disappearance of the bride.'" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I came to find a friend." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Upon what point?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "In heaven's name, what for?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "An accident, I presume?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Oh, yes, easily." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in tail." and put his glass in his pocket. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle a suggestive one." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a girl said." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon at once, for I have only half an hour." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten considering the formidable letters which were received by himself really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' mysterious end." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid kind enough to tell me what I should do." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I pictures, libraries, or plate. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Of Friday, June 19th." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "None." case before our client came into the room." "But how will you look?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being http://gutenberg.net/license). man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "What, then, did Peterson do?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the night.' "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has have established a very serious case against the son of the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is cigar and let me expound." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the coroner come to?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of British peeress.'" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of money should be paid at once.' interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, fluttered off among the others. as noiselessly as she had come. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. to-morrow." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I cannot think." "At the wedding breakfast." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Dr. Gregory B. Newby however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked ago." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the iron safe, which he closed upon it. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then appeal." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to not, dad?" she asked. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I of his shoulders. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a noting anything else of interest. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of I took the paper from him and read as follows: value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to approach us with offers to donate. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "What have you to say now?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "'I shall certainly be there.' he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid strength." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Yes." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "And what did you learn from him?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Why did you beat the pavement?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "'Never,' said I. "Yes." or in danger--" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Imitated." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Yes." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Did your wife hear all this?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all he died? article?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed with you?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all new acquaintance to Baker Street. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "And you don't know his address?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, she to prove their authenticity?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the bottom.' imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "No legal papers or certificates?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "That was it, sir." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." three of the beryls in it, was missing. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' in the hope of finding them." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of corner of the building. which our visitor detailed to us. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'No, I know no one in these parts.' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "We must sit without light. He would see it through the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when late!' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. experiences." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I have solved it." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting against a man in the prime of life?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at said he. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he forbidden door. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "No, finished." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too drawing your inferences."