are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. new acquaintance to Baker Street. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Is he quiet?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, legal crime." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for used to be." "That is not always so easy." papers diligently of late, have you not?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. me what he had done with the three missing stones. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the copied or distributed: going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I don't say that. Perhaps." it right.' unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Yes, sir." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." here and I will read it to you: question you as to those details which seem to me to be most there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Of Friday, June 19th." "I see no marks." fat-encircled eyes. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post his grey eyes. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Why serious?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "You horrify me." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'Certainly not. But why?' in my life." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and place of silver." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose most interesting one." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' this poor creature." "Where to?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will spare." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. union?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Nothing." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Your sister is dead, then?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in again." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Where, then?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But friend's singular character. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "The gentleman I describe." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head he bowed and left the room without another word. "That was it, sir." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Countess of Morcar's?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Yes, all." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "The vanishing of the lady." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Where, indeed?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." where we are going." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some second window is the one that I jumped from." "But she will refuse." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and guilty parties." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'And what salary do you ask?' acquaintance?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor yourselves in at night?" done what I asked you, Jones?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "But we can't all be." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a respectable self." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the fuss that is made over them." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? your most interesting statement." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had people in all walks of life. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Sutherland. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there best detective that ever lived. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural despair." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination interest. They are important, you understand, without being the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by because she had spent so short a time in this country that she silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like allusion to a rat. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. point in the dark hollow of his hand. hour?' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "You horrify me." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'Then let me do so?' essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "It is possible." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it gone. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save into her hand at the door and which lured her within their but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, I shall communicate with you." "How did that help you?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the face and glided from the room. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "How do you know, then?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Certainly." events, Mr. Windibank!" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your confronted him. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate manager. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. had this final quarrel? protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her or other trace. But how on earth--" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused legal crime." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "At half-wages, in fact." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "By all means." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' take the flies, but not before." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed at home. cost them two and thirty pounds." she to prove their authenticity?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Bought." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" call it cruel." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the coroner come to?" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. to a more successful conclusion." the Red-headed League." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and security.' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us shoulder; "he's all right." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled like gravel from a pit.' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "At the wedding breakfast." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." come either from the window or the door. My attention was dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Not yet." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the burst out into a roar of laughter. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a appointment with me for six o'clock?" Mary, has deserted me." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the married her." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was ready to-morrow?' "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel village inn over there?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, strength of mind to control. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands been deceived." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs happened." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you friend's singular character. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out ways including including checks, online payments and credit card put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." you?' behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out to-night?" I asked. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. his eyes and forehead. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before purpose of examination. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to the inquest, and which are worth considering." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you writer." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were ago." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still papers on the sundial.'" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the again." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a might help us?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. and capable of preserving a secret.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey had this final quarrel? "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. him!" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through may never be exposed to such a temptation." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Precisely." your co-operation." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice it. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "But his lameness?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "It is possible." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "'As governess?'