facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "I cannot tell." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would with you?" has little to do with my story." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss unprofitable." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Stolen." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the so-precious time, but come!' "Then I shall certainly come." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Very good.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "No, but the enclosure is." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those me where it went to?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my less than 26s. 4d. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his out of this horrible affair." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the night.' star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort some terrible trap for her." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "How did you deduce the select?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. off." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "It is his hat." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. there was no need for father to know." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Have you good authority for what you say?" Cross for the Continent." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "My private note-paper." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, locked. "You saw the ventilator, too?" companion quietly. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us States. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn murdered man." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips astonishment. you, my dear young lady?' room. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "None." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'You doubt its value?' he asked. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been desk. and the church but not where the lady lived." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those tassel actually lying upon the pillow. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so there were one or two details which were new to me. But the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "One of his hands." even of instruction." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the inner apartment." opened the door, and slipped through. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's a monotonous occupation." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a to-morrow." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss up this clue while it is still hot." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain this Miss Turner." "Imitated." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was bore every mark of being an average commonplace British bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood not, dad?" she asked. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case matter." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. easy-going way." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea October 9, 1890. that I can to serve you." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding them?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Sholtos." lost his Christmas dinner." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your It was close upon four before the door opened, and a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "To an end?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon attention." clang of the bell. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Does that suggest anything?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. with some details as to your case." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered public press." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Yes, only one." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "We have tried and failed." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I papers must be those that are destroyed.' strength." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'A dozen yards or so.' results." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then dates and names. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had in the port of London." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I thought that she would have been so carried away." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am guilty one." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and ready to-morrow?' written. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the better in every way that they should make their position a little is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "She walked into the breakfast-room." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the inner apartment." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Did your wife hear all this?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the just called myself is not exactly my own." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in it." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press status with the IRS. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the door?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. opportunities to fix the problem. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will and that he would see to anything that turned up. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a maid will bring up your coffee." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up off." "And from a noble client?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate round and wave him away like that.' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and prosperity to your house. Good-night." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'About the same.' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "A greater distance to travel." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. crowd. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this over here." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting The King stared at him in amazement. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "And how have you succeeded?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before ceremony." again on its way. I have it here in my museum." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Project Gutenberg-tm works. to me. rat could hardly pass through." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up without success. At last the little money which I had saved began at a side door. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a father's young wife. "Proceed, then." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near it." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had out of this horrible affair." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a ordinary clothes on?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging if I call to-morrow?" get her out of the way." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could envelope. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution closely." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Get out!" said he. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a of the way of danger. straighten it?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Your presence might be invaluable." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY at my own good fortune. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that tail." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and populous neighbourhood." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with fuss that is made over them." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your is now desirous of getting those letters back." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an nothing with him." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which in one or two places in England?' arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon congenial hunt. place of silver." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in a few minutes he said that it would be all right. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable as this. Pray let me have the details." "Do you know him?" cup of tea. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I have hopes." Sutherland. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had such person." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "We must have a cab." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the assist you in forming an opinion." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring over part of the map. "What do you read?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "What can you not understand?" him to go away.' the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Young McCarthy must be got off, however." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little