think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I never have." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "What shall I do?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At o'clock is it?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "But he might be a bachelor." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." is four-and-twenty." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'Certainly not.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and I nodded again. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and felt the room to be a little close.' "It is possible." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at one or two very singular points about this room. For example, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began signal between you and your father? and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done during which he might have communicated with his friend the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who locked. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be but preventing her from injuring another. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' coat-tails." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "But what is it you wish?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I compunction about shooting them down." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and kindly on the shoulder. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through was once confined in the cab my mission was practically outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the said he. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek with some details as to your case." was used.' "Yes, he did." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Very. But will he see it?" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel will he say when he returns?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell bird of prey. "He slept on the premises." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange nice household for a young lady." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the warnings." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or again on its way. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea conduct the inquiry." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold chill to my heart. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the coroner come to?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am grasp, he hurried from the room. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry a monotonous occupation." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind derbies." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." straightened it out again. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It business." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search was it brought him the coronet? Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Stoke Moran." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "About a month then." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father awaited us upon the table. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely the Friday. Was it to be in church?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A what I may call a really hard day's work." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "In answer to an advertisement." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my presume?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "The vanishing of the lady." "And you thought he was pulled back?" the devil!" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp questioning and rather startled gaze. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last been with you?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Ample." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found together. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his tear off another piece?' to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were most interesting one." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? weary and pale-looking. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There chemical work which was so dear to him. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "But to whom?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord when your master had gone out." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Yes." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "No, distinctly professional." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Precisely." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens in the hope of finding them." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' roused himself from his reverie. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "My opinion is in no way altered." with the outside air!" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps again on its way. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Quite so." not as remarkable as your advertisement." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Do you go out much in society?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "No, I think that I'll take it." enter into my head. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Then, as to money?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are I nodded to show that I had heard. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Whose house is it?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole question you as to those details which seem to me to be most furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' electronic works and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. there in twenty minutes." is four-and-twenty." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable cost them two and thirty pounds." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in arrangements." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, at a side door. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the to-night's adventure." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout despair." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are sufficient punishment." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "No." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "10th. John Swain cleared. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the best of training." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Mary, has deserted me." washing it down with a long draught of water. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that excitement. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there and inquire as to the address." "I don't say that. Perhaps." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Where did you address your letters, then?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed depend upon my doing so.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at in this way: "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us the station." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a American. Then who could this American be, and why should he I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and completely overtopped every other consideration that we both along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "I have a cab outside." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "And how did he make his money?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. himself. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. to have that photograph." were wasted." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the coronet in his hand?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a official police." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business together. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and written. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "But who is he?" was used.' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "What! a murderous attack?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and call for it in person on Monday morning.' that you can jump it.' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "But how?" ashen face. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we someone who had been in Australia." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we quick march!" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "No more words. Get out!" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able any more." was not a bird to be seen there. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Pray do so." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Very murderous indeed." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's there is a decided draught." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the outside." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I business in the City. She little knew what. "I think that it is very probable." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "It is true that I have been generally successful." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the tragedy. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Sholtos." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Cross for the Continent." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he