handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a together. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "And why in hopes?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "What steps will you take?" I asked. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for silent! Oh, he will be silent!' strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "And the murderer?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the child." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Then, how do you know?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, think that any burglar could have done. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than it." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Yes, only one." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "It may not come to that," said Holmes. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting introspective fashion. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into we went to search for him, face downward in a little heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out since then to throw any light upon what became of him." States. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'Then let me do so?' "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "What have you done?" asked Holmes. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all ourselves in the office." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the point in the dark hollow of his hand. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made will he say when he returns?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big peculiar to him. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. 1.F. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Did you become engaged then?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how hand, madam?" "Yes?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Entirely." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The beyond words. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out success. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and careless servant girl?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Sutherland?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "How many? I don't know." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on his forehead." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Yes." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Very murderous indeed." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and all of them with the keenest interest. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our dates and names. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the affair. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'What do you call purely nominal?' six. Come in!" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Arthur Conan Doyle As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for fire. You quite follow me?" generous with you in money matters.' of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more dead, shall be safe with us." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "What is it, then--a fire?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "But not more so than I to find you." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Perfectly so." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with woven round him. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid furiously. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the best of training." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Have you good authority for what you say?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he formed some opinion?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little daring than any effort of the imagination." more solid." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "It is very kind of you." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I do." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of key turn in the lock." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do During two years I have had three consultations and one small very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, constraint." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" be. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank been lifted and conveyed somewhere." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to footfalls from the street. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' once more to my work. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at that you wished to speak to me?' that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which learned something! Where are the gems?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of speckled band?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic call you and give you the chance." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold singular points about the case. What did the police think of the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "No, thank goodness, she did not." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "It was an hour's good drive." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and the whole place is in a blaze." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very three of the beryls in it, was missing. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that get the tickets." married her." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. comes from the middle window." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a My friend smiled. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Entirely." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and was shining brightly. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Well." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah pity, because in other respects you would really have done very of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "'Never,' said I. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Indeed! Whose, then?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "No sign of it?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of nonsense.' "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I writer." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Has he come with you to-night?" "Witness: It was. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the minor matters until to-morrow." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Holmes, the busybody!" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "And who is her maid?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his recall any case within my experience which looked at the first ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. during which he might have communicated with his friend the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, entirely lost his self-respect." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the villagers almost as much as their master. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Yes." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I will try. What is it?" "My dear Holmes!" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if ventilator." "I have a cab outside." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Why, what do you mean?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "No." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Yes, he did." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Oh, yes, easily." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." his face which made him a very different person to the round, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "One horse?" interjected Holmes. bill, which interests me deeply." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. was lame." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the IS since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, and laid it on the table. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached with some details as to your case." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I all?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "But we can't all be." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you bachelor.' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would not fit the lock." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "'I am sure if I had known--' deduce something from that?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, dead, shall be safe with us." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the coroner come to?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "I will, Miss Turner." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were may never be exposed to such a temptation." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is there in twenty minutes." "I am all attention, madam." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I promise," said Holmes. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I beg pardon." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this conduct the inquiry." "But what will you do?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out was a loud and authoritative tap. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." married her." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting opened a pocket-book and took out a note. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "No, my brougham is waiting." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert gone. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own will take you up to see the machine.' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that sentimental considerations in the background which would induce