"'I have already given you my word.' springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to would then never go into court at all." present." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For seven miles from Eyford Station.' but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the coronet at all injured?" that "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few My friend smiled. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite me where it went to?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have to take care of herself." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him http://www.gutenberg.net as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Perfectly so." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door unprofitable." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the security.' "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Then I do not see the point." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "How often?" on re-entering her father's house?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Of what day?" have an American origin." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that families. Now for the facts. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Of what day?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the general public were present, then?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "At half-wages, in fact." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, or other trace. But how on earth--" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "But you would not advise me to refuse?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and bell. Holmes whistled. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The look upon these things in a different way." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock four million human beings all jostling each other within the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "My last client of the sort was a king." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I am all attention, madam." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. bedroom door." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The quickly through a disagreeable task. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so chance." Mary, has deserted me." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'Quite sure, dad.' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest arrested. You then--" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I a suggestive one." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "I have hopes." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our seem to you to be relevant or not." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Yes, but only for you and me." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly me, and I could not think that his explanation of the passage and a tap at the door. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "But his left-handedness." in. returned to France?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. mysterious business." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "'Ten to two.' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I results." returned to France?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such certainly do as you advise." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have interest. They are important, you understand, without being Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and crime." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, followed. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "'Certainly not. But why?' photograph?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "You were travelling in the States?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was questioning and rather startled gaze. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "How did you trace it, then?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" are, and they are waiting for us." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a forecastle of an emigrant ship. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" instincts rose up against that laugh. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to presented more singular features than that which was associated towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "That's no good." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left call you and give you the chance." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "But she will refuse." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery one else, I think." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right she might be summoned. "Where did he live, then?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny handed it to him. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner and put his glass in his pocket. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, not within a twentieth part of the market price." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William than was visible to me." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug had a long day." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your intrusion of other matters." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I of." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save always that they were such commands as a lady might with photograph?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "What is it, then--a fire?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of roused himself from his reverie. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful John Swain, of St. Augustine. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Yes, but only for you and me." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "The best possible." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very rooms." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. your Highness to the police-station?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. key turn in the lock." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very to affect your life." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with at once, for I have only half an hour." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. was not a bird to be seen there. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: there were so many in the whole country as were brought together perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your man. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Then what has happened to him?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much that I am arrested." "No." tightly behind him. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman you in yours." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue wedding?" attention." letters?" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "'There is a drive, then?' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. fluttered off among the others. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His an introduction to him?" lamp in his hand. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a This is what he says: 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'Ten to two.' mysterious business." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our any." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as ways of our fellow-men." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by outsides of the windows. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had carried out of court." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Not I." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "None." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but ceremony." "He said that you could solve anything." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you at once, for I have only half an hour." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to even so self-evident a thing as that." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of more terrible than the truth. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable chambers. round with crates and massive boxes. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'Stolen!' he cried. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he intrusion of other matters." awaited us upon the table. murdered man." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "May I see it?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Pray let us have it, for all that." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in country, and eventually married, without anyone having a looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the call it cruel." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this me where it went to?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to