determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "But I am all in the dark." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "This photograph!" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months relief. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Eyford." "Oh, yes, easily." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece American. Then who could this American be, and why should he official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "No." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, answer." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "That is not always so easy." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, in one or two places in England?' closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I have seen the police." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be future lives." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest exactly what you advise." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it hair?' Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the driver. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "And sit in the dark?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with and your relations to her." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as the station." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Yes." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, bird I ate is country bred." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock letters?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, foot. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all in this way: and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, power." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her ago." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not window when the police appeared." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "You were travelling in the States?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Doctor, of the paper and the date." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." a very grave face. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Absolutely?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out grasp, he hurried from the room. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the will not take me long to tell. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been would then never go into court at all." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'Where could I find him?' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a official police." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent of his shoulders. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "That sounds a little paradoxical." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" other lovers by making love himself." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Yes." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "My dear Holmes!" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "But how could you guess what the motive was?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety It was close upon four before the door opened, and a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction locked. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to here and I will read it to you: country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be might have a private word with us. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I have not had my rubber." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the stood on the top of it. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch London for the present?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were must compliment you." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "But he might be a bachelor." detained." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "A confidential servant?" forehead. ordinary clothes on?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked and have this put in the evening papers." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." bell. Holmes whistled. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are to take care of herself." digesting their breakfasts at home." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "This photograph!" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "But how?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining furiously. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "'Quite sure, dad.' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora questioning and rather startled gaze. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." it. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from assist you in forming an opinion." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Imitated." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus visitors." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Nothing." people don't know." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I will not look." certainly not very gracious." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "But the mystery?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after purpose of examination. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I will, Miss Turner." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "That sounds a little paradoxical." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Thank you. And your address?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not was used.' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit peculiar to him. to talk it over. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, them?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the what is your own theory as to what took place?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will you do it in twenty minutes!' writer." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if hard-headed British jury." key turn in the lock." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me passage and a tap at the door. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman straighten it?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Ah!" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." you in yours." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary than to us. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "We were both in the photograph." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me ill-usage at the hands of fortune. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "The rest you will leave in our hands." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Holmes' face clouded over. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been following enigmatical notices: piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "She will not sell." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "But his lameness?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too investigation." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" tension within him. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." outside." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Yes, sir." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, newspaper selections." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a chambers. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this fashion which was peculiar to him. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about his grey eyes. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of felt the room to be a little close.' you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." hands. legal crime." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham outside. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless writers could invent nothing more crude." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the reach." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted call you and give you the chance." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had green of the new foliage. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a have not had my rubber." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "It was." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I have seen the police." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Gutenberg-tm License. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only might help us?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its door?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come bird I ate is country bred." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "No more words. Get out!" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'Certainly,' I answered. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "No, finished." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout union?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to to you." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Tired-looking or fresh?" the bottom.' "But it has twice been burgled." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been acted in my house last night?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a and inquire as to the address." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of made him keep the appointment." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Thank you. And your address?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of taking in every detail of the apartment. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project 11:15.' "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "What can it mean?" I gasped. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. look upon these things in a different way." "You are hungry," I remarked. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Yes." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I to a more successful conclusion." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they putting in the horse. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to have one." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent brandy and water within his reach. The events in question occurred in the early days of my companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he guilty one." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Well?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking in this way: "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the nonsense.' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the