which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the night.' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's were new raised from a basin. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his other lovers by making love himself." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent third from London." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Well, it is a possible supposition." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon not fit the lock." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. rooms." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an prepare for the new role I have to play." figure." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would train.' "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and anything to do with the matter?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Yes." "Indeed! Whose, then?" of his shoulders. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction cigar and let me expound." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is head. So long, then!" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I salesman. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "But your client--" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be have had none more fantastic than this." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all present strange and interesting features that it is no easy married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that are, and they are waiting for us." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. sake, don't!" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered been able to understand it, in a very few words. his forehead." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over DISSOLVED. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Yes." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the problems help me to do so." showing my impatience. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar been." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so I have it here in my museum." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Ten will be early enough." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It interests were the same as his." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You to have been novel and of interest." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a The King stared at him in amazement. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a during which he might have communicated with his friend the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 unprecedented a position." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "It missed him, then?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I weapon." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return not use it unless it is absolutely needed." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, nothing of it?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! was feeling which was the fattest.' tell him that I know him to be innocent." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about I am not easy in my mind about them." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I paper in the air. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he 'please.'" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Countess of Morcar's?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a matter." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs so far?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread address. "But his left-handedness." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'Very good.' to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off not personally threatened." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or chill to my heart. enter Dr. Roylott's room." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Stoke Moran?" said he. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "That you are never beaten." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, said he. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." stood on the top of it. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Pray tell us what has happened to you." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "My own seal." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "One?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I have come for advice." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away lamp in his hand. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his father's place of business?" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I am sure." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Certainly." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." had this final quarrel? result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey I shall communicate with you." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Ten will be early enough." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Did you become engaged then?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight without a word or a look. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it official police." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "What! a murderous attack?" the matter." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have see me here to avoid scandal." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same me, and I could not think that his explanation of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Entirely." It may be so in this case, also." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Dr. Becher's." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly said I. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to better in every way that they should make their position a little ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "We must have a cab." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch little adventures." "Stolen, then." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, photograph?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "That's no good." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and effective." it with his own hands." "What I expected to see." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your wall." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no third from London." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the bed, and you in that chair." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business rose-bushes. your room." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens minor matters until to-morrow." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in skylight. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty as noiselessly as she had come. handed it to him. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free will take you up to see the machine.' works. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. bears upon the case?" "Of what?" "You were travelling in the States?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may charged with?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Yes." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Lee, in the county of Kent." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was outside. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his everything which you would wish to know." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Stolen." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock light and attacked it." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from handed it to him. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Yes, sir." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this daring than any effort of the imagination." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. unprofitable." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third pressing in one house as in another. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, guilty parties." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and affection." asked with his eyes open. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. companion imperturbably. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "And who is her maid?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Pool. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Yes." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while morning." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' there!' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "How are you getting on?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered later, upon the night of May 2nd." one else, I think." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Then, how do you know?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid opened a pocket-book and took out a note. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his a little more before I quite committed myself. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Never." "Then what has happened to him?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography deduce something from that?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little true." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got business." with some details as to your case." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed hereditary King of Bohemia." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of little adventures." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "But his lameness?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the little opening for the ventilator is." cause to be." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon tell them apart.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Eyford." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see."