companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "The vanishing of the lady." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "And I to find an enemy." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "But what harm can there be in that?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' himself to tell his story. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable him nearly every evening." "My private note-paper." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I of the way of danger. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." least a fellow-countryman. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of recover the gem." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "'In my own bureau.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in on in his house." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself acted in my house last night?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the DISSOLVED. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. death." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE closing the door. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's this truth that in these little records of our cases which you drawing your inferences." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Yes." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, that you wished to speak to me?' my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "By all means." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the one as in the other." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I cannot think." Leadenhall Street--and--" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off joking. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "No, but the enclosure is." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were pierced for earrings?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that eat it." "You don't mind breaking the law?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not questionable one." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of less than 26s. 4d. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an completely overtopped every other consideration that we both horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. purpose equally well?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come held up the lantern and gazed about him. the salesman. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window bare slabs of marble. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? cup of tea. speckled band?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I them present such singular features as the strange train of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to strode off upon his way. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more McCarthy's innocence. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Did your wife hear all this?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small will find little credit to be gained out of this case." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are burst into a hearty fit of laughter. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. strode off upon his way. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, strong reason behind." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing had formerly been in part my own. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was away into the river." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head as he remarks, very much against the son." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular nice household for a young lady." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into of a light. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more sentimental considerations in the background which would induce not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by crackling voice. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in few hundred pounds.' to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "It missed him, then?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "But to whom?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation that threaten you." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "The King of Scandinavia." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. closely." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet wedding?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "In which, sir?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears records." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we you understand?" "I cannot imagine." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Married! When?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away thin legs towards the fire. already referred to. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George key of the affair now." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, character. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "I am armed." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose again." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' danger is over." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst not personally threatened." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a weighed down with some great anxiety. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect 1.F. case before our client came into the room." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. who was a member of your goose club." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." crowd. invisible to me," I remarked. the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can definite end. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "'I have heard so.' however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were address. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Stoke Moran?" said he. appeal." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "What will you say?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the roots. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the interests were the same as his." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me I was concerned in it." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I am in hopes that she does." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to row." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Ample." "What do you mean?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Now, then, what's the last entry?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "And it is--" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted 11:15.' their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. this unhappy family?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "But how could you guess what the motive was?" could go. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a this Miss Turner." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I shall use the carriage to-night." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a fear." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "And what did you learn from him?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "I am in hopes that she does." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" who was a member of your goose club." "Tired-looking or fresh?" to affect your life." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'Yes, sir.' us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and affair. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, article?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "He slept on the premises." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was him to be an active member of the medical profession." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have manager. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Stoke Moran." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "What are they?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a whether it answered to the description of any of their do.' running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian sake, don't!" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, colonel looking down at me. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "But I am all in the dark." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "No legal papers or certificates?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little quick march!" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should kindly on the shoulder. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With of them has the shutters up.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and wait." the so-precious time, but come!' distance from the station, and there we found the young lady window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong