with her." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Yes, it was twisted." points to suicide?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are any little problem which you may submit to me." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my standing smiling on the door-step. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the armchair which I pushed forward for him. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "It goes to the housekeeper's room." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Yes, sir." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "What can you not understand?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I was afraid that you were engaged." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the shall not find me ungrateful." chair. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "It is true that I have been generally successful." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong upon the sideboard." politicians who had been sent down from the North. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Sutherland. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "And how?" "Yes." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir you want, then?' It may be so in this case, also." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "It was." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Why serious?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' if she died from some sudden fright." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter present strange and interesting features that it is no easy that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my go--none." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer past. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Yes." chamber." "What, then, did Peterson do?" the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Precisely so. But how--" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I shall most certainly do so." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. I think that I could be of assistance to you." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' gigantic client. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Very. But will he see it?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "How are you getting on?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this mystery!" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I electronic works and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur sentimental considerations in the background which would induce search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "I don't say that. Perhaps." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" learned something! Where are the gems?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "My opinion is in no way altered." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more like that before?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business there in twenty minutes." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Will you bet, then?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at come either from the window or the door. My attention was someone who had been in Australia." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'And the work?' matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "His face fell immediately. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Watson," he said cordially. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little note?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" or in danger--" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when sofa. This way, please!" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "'What, the red-headed man?' state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "A client, then?" which our visitor detailed to us. "None." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless shag which I had seen upon the previous night. McCarthy." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Where did he live, then?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble power." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and dates and names. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the vanished into the darkness. "'What do you call purely nominal?' reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William reach." might have a private word with us. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was fluttered off among the others. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. touch that coronet?' arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I should be immensely obliged to you." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a it." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got as this. Pray let me have the details." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. be there in time for your coming." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. page at http://pglaf.org clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never this truth that in these little records of our cases which you quick march!" note?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than tell them apart.' said I. Eyford." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "But his lameness?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Yesterday." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she appeared upon the scene." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Absolutely none." "'Ten to two.' and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." shall use the carriage to-night." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the think you a quite exceptional woman." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the emerged. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Pray be precise as to details," said he. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open as this. Pray let me have the details." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Ample." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. galvanised. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "No." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own sound at heart." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." in him." of the way of danger. all that?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Then he might have called to you?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Nothing." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I cannot as yet see any connection." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling everything which you would wish to know." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of characteristics, but those are the more obvious." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to strength of mind to control. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons handed it to him. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "By all means." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is that I am arrested." "Deserted you?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "But his lameness?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such taking in every detail of the apartment. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "But what is it you wish?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'What do you call purely nominal?' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and been able to understand it, in a very few words. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "No." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "How did that help you?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the never came back." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it late." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day fear." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers page at http://pglaf.org of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A night.' said he. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for quite distinctive." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "I don't say that. Perhaps." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "'Then let me do so?' "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "An enemy?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "It was a confession," I ejaculated. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "It goes to the housekeeper's room." tear off another piece?' noble correspondent could be. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." at a side door. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who asked with his eyes open. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me,