Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, grasp, he hurried from the room. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'Where to?' coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "It is very kind of you." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and opportunities to fix the problem. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between in a very precise fashion." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that do.' brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Dirty?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Then I shall certainly come." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me them?" this remarkable episode. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "The rest you will leave in our hands." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long any." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Then I am your man." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Witness: Nothing definite. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close in the hope of finding them." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. late." "What I expected to see." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Yes." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." outside." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the bottom.' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Never to return." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in had a long day." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the third from London." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that fuss that is made over them." lectures into a series of tales." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the make me his representative both with the servants and with the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the I nodded to show that I had heard. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "That is possible." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man go--none." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Oh, yes, easily." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the stones. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or is so. I know all about McCarthy." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the little opening for the ventilator is." "No." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Very truly yours, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, works. See paragraph 1.E below. in a very precise fashion." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards http://www.gutenberg.net a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "No." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the had a long day." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "You will not go there first?" misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Not yet." "Was he the only applicant?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was was lame." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his ago." chance at all." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "My dear Holmes!" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a IS "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third tension within him. least a fellow-countryman. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "It is solved." such person." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I was mad--insane." within hail.' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My there was no need for father to know." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly narrative." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "There is the writing." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "She will not sell." "There are none." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to over here." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. to talk it over. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "But how could you guess what the motive was?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful business at Coburg Square is serious." "Is he quiet?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood may have an influence upon European history." said I. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for second window is the one that I jumped from." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "In answer to an advertisement." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "But he might be a bachelor." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a again, where I was soon asleep. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "What, then?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but roused himself from his reverie. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "In heaven's name, what for?" views." "Could he throw no light?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "None." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the conduct the inquiry." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "What of the rat, then?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." signal between you and your father? Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally paper in the air. 1.F. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. chemical work which was so dear to him. take the flies, but not before." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the gentleman's clothes. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Certainly not. But why?' "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you garden below. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Eyford." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain photograph a cabinet?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt unclasping of his long thin hands. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I arrangements." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's three of the beryls in it, was missing. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known house for five minutes.' to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and wall." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "But his lameness?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the client, rising. Literary Archive Foundation "No." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Perhaps I have." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "I guessed as much." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "And what then?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. nonsense.' your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "What!" he roared. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was approach us with offers to donate. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is to affect your life." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the window, rose as we entered. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found away in different directions, and I went off to make my own at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in to-night." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend villagers almost as much as their master. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Nothing." "But how will you look?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to that he has suffered." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "But who is he?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for some water from a caraffe. "Quite so. She has her freedom." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "My stepfather's business papers." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "There is the writing." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was strength of mind to control. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "My dear Holmes!" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." it." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite