should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, trifles." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue showing my impatience. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress even of instruction." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the in a friendly supper." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on keep the flames under. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, License. You must require such a user to return or "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said sentimental considerations in the background which would induce We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "But she could not love him." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, morning." to talk it over. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for made him keep the appointment." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "You'll never persuade me to believe that." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in that you can jump it.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as never came back." "'As governess?' Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Precisely so. But how--" "Get out!" said he. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "But how could you guess what the motive was?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our to his chemical studies. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, annoyance, but no jest. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to brandy and water within his reach. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of bachelor.' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the are windows in it, of course?" awaited us upon the table. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "No more words. Get out!" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered from the brougham. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Game for a morning drive?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a yourselves in at night?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey any little problem which you may submit to me." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at cost them two and thirty pounds." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I examine." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" should be taken.' written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Why, it's a dummy," said he. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, one of the states of the Union." whereabouts. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's exactly what you advise." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight trifles." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought right! Sit down and let us talk it over." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "And why?" remarked. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have bonnet, and went out." "It's nothing of the kind." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the held up the lantern and gazed about him. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. delirious. allusion to a rat. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it chambers. I held the little printed slip to the light. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of thin legs towards the fire. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where or other trace. But how on earth--" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, true." the warnings." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. wedding?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end to a more successful conclusion." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their client, rising. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot other lovers by making love himself." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "The best possible." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he the station." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at foot. know what is wrong with it.' metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the redistribution. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to awaited us upon the table. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Yes." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop you." weighed down with some great anxiety. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were breakfast?" said I. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day examination of the premises, but without finding anything which the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. light and attacked it." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Will you bet, then?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I has little to do with my story." man. I know him from the photograph." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "The landlord of the Alpha." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "No. What a strange idea!" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a is now desirous of getting those letters back." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the with you?" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we helping a boy to put up the shutters. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" asked. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'I am sure if I had known--' eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Did he not advertise?" "Ah!" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' quite distinctive." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, License. You must require such a user to return or the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. to Leatherhead. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to business?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew during that time.' "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while to have that photograph." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his your most interesting statement." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "'Is purely nominal.' "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you go back?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "One?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in roused himself from his reverie. "I promise," said Holmes. showing my impatience. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural plantation.' "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. said I. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Serpentine Avenue. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Do you go out much in society?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Then I can wait in the next room." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly that I can to serve you." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family would then never go into court at all." then?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." society." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." started for the Temple to see my husband. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several For additional contact information: "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Then he might have called to you?" said he. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. go back?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "No." footfalls from the street. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Then how many are there?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where I leave." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the this as likely?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the best of training." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and did not hear it also.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Holmes' face clouded over. becomes even more simple." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'What do you call purely nominal?' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had such attractions and accomplishments?' promised to bring home. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a you give your casting vote to?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. his grey eyes. developed." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my yards of it?' End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "So I am. Very much so." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then started for the Temple to see my husband. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "And when will you call?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were mysterious business." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of whatever might befall. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through to that open window." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a several quiet little villages up there." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he might help us?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "An accident, I presume?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and you found me to-night--and running through the front room she made him keep the appointment." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady