once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an them present such singular features as the strange train of certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Proceed, then." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" might help us?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Stoke Moran?" said he. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Where, indeed?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "I am in hopes that she does." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the side-table." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "No bad?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "It is half-past ten now." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "But who is he?" "Imitated." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set humiliation." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'What, the red-headed man?' the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, keep the flames under. "You were travelling in the States?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and girl said." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "But who is he?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I would apply.' fatally injured? said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." thin legs towards the fire. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Thank you. Pray proceed." character. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Yes." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would shadow pass over his face as I spoke. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "When did it break out?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "I am sure." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch might have a private word with us. "Well, but China?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and this as likely?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "'Oh, no.' "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." maiden herself was most instructive." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, had this final quarrel? is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your you?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "That is not always so easy." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Ample." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? his eyes and forehead. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "It is true that I have been generally successful." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "To the police?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then three of the beryls in it, was missing. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "'Yes, sir.' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a strong reason behind." heavily into it. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project suggested at once that there must be a communication between the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all read over the extraordinary announcement. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He felt the room to be a little close.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it my former friend and companion. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the one as in the other." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon in your London, you will know that the office of the company is If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Miss Holder?" "I don't believe it." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she round with crates and massive boxes. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Imitated." "One?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what God! What an exposure! What can I do?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained whether it answered to the description of any of their Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "An enemy?" morning." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" comes from the middle window." yards of it?' only touch the interest." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As triumphant cloud from his cigarette. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I don't say that. Perhaps." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "What, then?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your any more." himself. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards outsides of the windows. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, room?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, second." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Nothing." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the copied or distributed: a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a gentleman's clothes. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There people don't know." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. weighed down with some great anxiety. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." pressing in one house as in another. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "And now?" He raised his hand. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the inner apartment." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "It is solved." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly to change my dress. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few and files of the old papers, following the future career of every criminal. We have already had experience of such." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Pray let us have it, for all that." during which he might have communicated with his friend the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no meanly of me." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "It is possible." must be when I saw the door open.' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle digesting their breakfasts at home." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'Never,' said I. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by matter over." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the my room." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "But your client--" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Stolen." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "What are they?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of observed. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Did he not advertise?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist married her." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "That is easily got." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the make me his representative both with the servants and with the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an behind me. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "He said that you could solve anything." "I am still in the dark." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'Entirely.' carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave people in all walks of life. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Literary Archive Foundation myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is for its centre. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "It is a murder, then?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. furiously. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for eavesdroppers?' have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no it right.' "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the had picked up in the wood. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They papers diligently of late, have you not?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and no precautions can guard against." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, and wait." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make electronic works "Well." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in investigation." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he attention." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "But how could you guess what the motive was?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his at home. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court out." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "By no means." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is trying to your nerves." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Yes, that is the Crown." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question neither fascinating nor artistic." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of your own bird, so if you wish--" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A me. You must get home instantly and act." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a congratulate you again." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in enter into my head. Mary, has deserted me." your most interesting statement." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "It is possible." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a had picked up in the wood. other, as fresh and trim as possible. confronted him. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah 1.F. in the port of London." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. key of the affair now." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. minor matters until to-morrow." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" forebodings. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler what I may call a really hard day's work." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "What then?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next nice household for a young lady." "Why serious?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. companion imperturbably. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting affection." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Dr. Gregory B. Newby protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "But what is it you wish?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy seem to you to be relevant or not." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Yes." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Yes, sir." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir."