to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Young McCarthy must be got off, however." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal and wait." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "But you can know nothing of this?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and cheerful." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my matter." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project to that open window." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and skylight. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her dates and names. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I was certainly surprised to find you there." is now desirous of getting those letters back." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "What will you do, then?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong miles off. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." quickly through a disagreeable task. least a most suspicious remark." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for into her hand at the door and which lured her within their side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue into the room. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual as yours." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head as he remarks, very much against the son." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have It may be so in this case, also." himself. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "What of the rat, then?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Mrs. Toller serenely. the inquest, and which are worth considering." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune to-night?' written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small a suggestive one." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Project Gutenberg-tm works. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through felt?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Could he throw no light?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for be sorry for having acted so harshly." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after upon the shelf for the interim." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Stoke Moran." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as and glanced through. murdered man." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Street. was not a bird to be seen there. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done deduce something from that?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the general public were present, then?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Nothing." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of man. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Very much so." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them woven round him. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: very peculiar words of the dying woman?" kindly on the shoulder. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the of campaign. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." chair. voice, changing her seat as requested. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the coronet in his hand?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut disappearance of the bride.'" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the coronet in his hands?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Not I." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and of campaign. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "And when will you call?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Where is it, then?" think that any burglar could have done. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, neither fascinating nor artistic." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "But your client--" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in occupations.' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the occurred." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden chance at all." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "And when will you call?" posted to-day." IS mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we less than 26s. 4d. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me opened the door, and slipped through. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "I have my revolver," said I. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, door?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "And it is--" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Never." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich what I may call a really hard day's work." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the His name is Francis Prosper." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I direction." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must some terrible trap for her." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of to miss it." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. nice household for a young lady." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their clanging. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in and prosperity to your house. Good-night." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is interests were the same as his." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Yes, they were peculiar boots." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. have accepted such a situation. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no that you can jump it.' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Pray be precise as to details," said he. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that trifles." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and the colonel ushered me in. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." investigation." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such strode off upon his way. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. have established a very serious case against the son of the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "No." fled together." distinguish the words: the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. it. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, conduct the inquiry." "What have you to say now?" "Not social, then?" orange pips. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before is," said he presently: copied or distributed: age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was already referred to. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the foresight and the moral retrogression?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you galvanised. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Again Holmes raved in the air. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is been deceived." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing drawing your inferences." lost his Christmas dinner." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to case-book, which he consulted. "What will you say?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I was a lad." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the to a light-house. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg letters?" help us in this matter." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass himself in a perplexing position. breakfast." wall." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "I came to find a friend." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." arrangements." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was be sorry for having acted so harshly." "You were travelling in the States?" business at Coburg Square is serious." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was seem to you to be relevant or not." late!' is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'What would be the hours?' I asked. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him prisoner's face. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the station." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered fat-encircled eyes. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be done what I asked you, Jones?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that upon the sideboard." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Do you go out much in society?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "I have come for advice." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My there in twenty minutes." shoulder; "he's all right." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Yes, only one." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "You saw the ventilator, too?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there quickly through a disagreeable task. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would was the fact that his father should, according to his account, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would in his power. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She bell. Holmes whistled. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were woman who has had her own way to make in the world. you give your casting vote to?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Watson," he said cordially. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face