the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we not, dad?" she asked. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought round and wave him away like that.' now. It seems that there had been some informality about their whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give do you make of it all?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a shoulder; "he's all right." with her." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both of note-paper. It read in this fashion: St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that written. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his II. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "What is it, then--a fire?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is photograph?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short said he. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without we went to search for him, face downward in a little heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad before, for it was considerably after midnight. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "It looks newer than the other things?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've I think that I could be of assistance to you." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the meant." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. definite end. "Very. But will he see it?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'What would be the hours?' I asked. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At unclasping of his long thin hands. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the loss of it. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Nothing?" best detective that ever lived. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Was the window open?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. of receipt of the work. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate which it had come upon my father." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Perfectly so." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Holmes' room. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' you, my dear young lady?' "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Could he throw no light?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat constraint." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Pool. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of ran thus: hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "What have you done?" asked Holmes. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. room had already been engaged for us. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and was feeling which was the fattest.' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a coroner's jury." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out happened." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Perhaps we may make them less so." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we province." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what next day. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Pray do so." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." handed it to him. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but again on its way. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in everything which you would wish to know." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Precisely so. But how--" to surprise her." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for best detective that ever lived. way in." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "My dear Holmes!" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the that, and I came down." fishes. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I will take you up to see the machine.' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Tired-looking or fresh?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "And on what day did he meet his death?" "My dear Holmes!" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he at my remark. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "BALLARAT." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life six. Come in!" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker face and glided from the room. colour had been driven from his face. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I will, Miss Turner." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a outsides of the windows. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent was not a bird to be seen there. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Always." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice ourselves in the office." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which photograph?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself locked. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And made his money." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was events than those which have happened in my own family." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, tension within him. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the what is your own theory as to what took place?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of three fields round his house, and there he would take his "'What, the red-headed man?' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Stolen, then." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to all-comprehensive glances. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in definite end. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these some terrible trap for her." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." and capable of preserving a secret.' of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "And on what day did he meet his death?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Lestrade of Scotland Yard." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they existence." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as to miss it." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. ourselves in the office." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "It must be recovered." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all I nodded again. "Was your sister dressed?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming sound at heart." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the coronet at all injured?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the prisoner's face. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "What can you not understand?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "And how did he make his money?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to http://www.gutenberg.net dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I she to prove their authenticity?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "My own seal." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. me upon any point which I do not make clear." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan their singular warning or token before them when starting upon mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'And what salary do you ask?' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard of receipt of the work. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that have not had my rubber." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, in one or two places in England?' putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I saw her in conversation with her maid." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "What, then, did Peterson do?" exactly what you advise." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Henry Baker is a member." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. to have been novel and of interest." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. danger is over." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the handed it to him. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'Certainly not.' from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "They are typewritten," I remarked. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or she to prove their authenticity?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Count Von Kramm." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." several quiet little villages up there." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "None." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a were wasted." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and yards of it?' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call helping a boy to put up the shutters. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Ah!" with some details as to your case." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us present." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under second." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I least a most suspicious remark." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington wedding?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that less than 26s. 4d. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." papers must be those that are destroyed.' look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them to Leatherhead. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Holmes. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed you?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Was the window open?" attention." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from