poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with an introduction to him?" "It is very kind of you." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where most interesting one." "Yes, I have one waiting." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of there when the Rucastles went away." "Nothing?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" such attractions and accomplishments?' "Of what?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch tightly behind him. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "It certainly sounds feasible." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "But not more so than I to find you." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. disappearance of the bride.'" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Where, then?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the that you can jump it.' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes." persecution?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I never have." "But how?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us awkward doing business with an alias." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the running down." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the that, and I came down." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an existence." "And is that all?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, It may be so in this case, also." to-night?' received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'Yes, sir.' spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I guilty parties." enter Dr. Roylott's room." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. window when the police appeared." carriage. It was a chestnut." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, that, and I came down." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his emerged. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room I think that I could be of assistance to you." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not to miss it." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." of the way of danger. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out was a loud and authoritative tap. shall use the carriage to-night." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Serpentine Avenue. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "What shall I do?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was III. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "It was an hour's good drive." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course returned to France?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler round with crates and massive boxes. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not answer." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they records." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I I held the little printed slip to the light. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from there is a decided draught." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "It surprised me." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Was she in good spirits?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, mysterious business." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael was keenly on my guard against him. manager. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Again Holmes raved in the air. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? look dissatisfied." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. from you?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Stoke Moran." which was all perfectly true. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Yes, they were peculiar boots." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six himself to hunt down. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may light and attacked it." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the man. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Perhaps I have." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is a few minutes he said that it would be all right. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "It is his hat." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "If so, much may have happened between." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." entirely devoid of interest." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "It was a confession," I ejaculated. it." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Perhaps we may make them less so." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right DAMAGE. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Then I can wait in the next room." direction." have one." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside gigantic client. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and in my life." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "'Where to?' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so him and tried to hold him back. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "How long did she speak to this Alice?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'In my own bureau.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. you?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "You heard nothing yourself last night?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "I have a cab outside." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a humiliation." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "What then?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. undoubtedly my uncle's." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still up this clue while it is still hot." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "What! You do not mean bodies?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate to his chemical studies. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from ways of our fellow-men." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking there in twenty minutes." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a individual and becomes the badge of a society." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "No, I had a dozen." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Very murderous indeed." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily danger is over." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he http://www.gutenberg.net locked. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which that nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive address. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since certainly do as you advise." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but vault. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached waste of energy." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "But he might be a bachelor." "Not yet." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of think you a quite exceptional woman." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "How did he come?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the side-table." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Perfectly so." orange pips. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Yes, sir." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and article?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb fait accompli?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Oh, yes, easily." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "What, then?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "We were both in the photograph." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had arrested. You then--" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" dates and names. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "No, distinctly professional." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Was there a secret marriage?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little in him." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and a shock of very red hair. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait of his shoulders. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have ordinary clothes on?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." back alive. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, to tell." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "No, distinctly professional." introspective fashion. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, a good hundred miles off by now." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, passage and a tap at the door. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works heavy and sharp instrument." "When did it break out?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Gutenberg-tm License. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in he bowed and left the room without another word. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and inquire as to the address." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? fasten all the windows?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been had formerly been in part my own. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Street. "Nothing." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "He is still with you, I presume?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced started for the Temple to see my husband. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen upon a handsome competence. rooms."