astonishment. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our crime. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no to affect your life." that he has suffered." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the some city in a dream. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. something of him before." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "How did you deduce the select?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Does that suggest anything?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of been deceived." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Stolen!' he cried. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late fatally injured? and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in fattened it expressly for you.' clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'I have heard so.' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on night.' said he. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would clang of the bell. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. in darkness. tension within him. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them works. See paragraph 1.E below. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre he bowed and left the room without another word. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever then?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your I nodded to show that I had heard. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" may have an influence upon European history." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "But how did you gain them?" amused." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Yes. He waved his hands." read it out to me." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the conclusions. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the highroad, where all traces were lost. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was depend upon your compliance." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side had died away into the silence from which it rose. "'Which dealer's?' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between John Swain, of St. Augustine. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it that he will be back before evening." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt *** START: FULL LICENSE *** brandy and water within his reach. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No than was visible to me." "Yes?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Where does the thing come from?' England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of to Leatherhead. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He in a friendly supper." miles off. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "No." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are morning." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." carpenter." served to weaken the effect. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Nothing." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Yes, it would be as well." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up front of the hall door has given its name to the place. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Thank you. Pray proceed." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush light and attacked it." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Here?" introspective fashion. "I am sure." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; your only hope of safety." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do from the brougham. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the just called myself is not exactly my own." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' is entirely a question of barometric pressure." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in tightly behind him. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'Which dealer's?' "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Yes, all." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "And Irene Adler?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." place no limit on the sum I may draw." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "I should wish to." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious with some details as to your case." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. late." fire. You quite follow me?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." which was all perfectly true. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and like gravel from a pit.' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might his knees, staring into the fire. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "But how?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution be. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Yes, I have one waiting." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? quick march!" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, leaning back in his chair. "Was he the only applicant?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Street. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who writing, and yet I know it well." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "And who is her maid?" "And the cigar-holder?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'I have already given you my word.' invisible to me," I remarked. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, are, and they are waiting for us." Holmes' thin, eager face. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang at once, for I have only half an hour." "What are they?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from straighten it?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are morning." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "You are all wrong." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that very peculiar words of the dying woman?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we existence." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I will get her to show me." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "10th. John Swain cleared. of the one which your family is now devouring." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, a good hundred miles off by now." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers I was concerned in it." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." was keenly on my guard against him. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "And why?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with galvanised. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment jewels which you have stolen?' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," made his money." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle disappearance of these gems?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but impression behind it as though a window had gently closed he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." once more to my work. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Surrey." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of own family. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see experiences." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and shoulder; "he's all right." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came definite end. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which coroner's jury." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have himself to tell his story. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the driver. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose populous neighbourhood." "I am all attention, madam." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a room?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more second." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in night.' said he. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my intrusion of other matters." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the them?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" in him." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "It is possible." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet into the room. hereditary King of Bohemia." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these over his head with a sweet womanly caress. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no tightly behind him. to a more successful conclusion." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Holmes' face clouded over. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing be. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms foresight and the moral retrogression?" more terrible than the truth. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "So I have heard." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "But she could not love him." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must presented more singular features than that which was associated concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a who was a member of your goose club." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the go from here to the Strand." chance." quick march!" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding prove to be little relation between the different incidents of state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. business." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to tackle the facts." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away