this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and very old mansion. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "I was sure that I might rely on you." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it union?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the out." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most despair." "Was he the only applicant?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the passage and a tap at the door. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland cup of tea. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Clair, of Lee." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "It came here." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is without a word or a look. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other threw himself down with his face to the pillow. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "So it appears." points to suicide?" tension within him. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." had a long day." article?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing main points of my analysis." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at signal between you and your father? and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of breakfast." wanted for ourselves." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs My friend smiled. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Certainly, madam." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a legal crime." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Pope's Court. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to I nodded again. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of nonsense.' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "None." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but your co-operation." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "No." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and October 9, 1890. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only any." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "You saw the ventilator, too?" answer." been shamefully used." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of way in." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement before, for it was considerably after midnight. His name is Francis Prosper." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." good-night and bustled off upon her way. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with desk. "It came here." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "I say that I have solved it." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "And the murderer?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to ready to-morrow?' building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Only as much as we can deduce." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "On the contrary, this is the right side." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. writing, and yet I know it well." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the coroner's jury." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to through." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so business." who was a member of your goose club." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's I. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking it means?" address. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is occurred." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "What!" he roared. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Can I be of assistance?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "No, my brougham is waiting." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should constraint." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly started for the Temple to see my husband. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very without success. At last the little money which I had saved began which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, rooms." was not a bird to be seen there. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Can I be of assistance?" "The King of Scandinavia." tear off another piece?' quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "My private note-paper." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "It was an hour's good drive." married her." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I have seen the police." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or said he, "my real name is James Ryder." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never gigantic client. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, are, I think, all that we need." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Can I be of assistance?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless cup of tea. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in so.' into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long secret." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Does that suggest anything?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can should be so warm over such a trifle." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen seem to you to be relevant or not." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Leave Paddington by the 11:15." becomes even more simple." views." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that tapping his fingers upon the table. round and wave him away like that.' and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "You don't mind breaking the law?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Whose house is it?" of them has the shutters up.' "No. What a strange idea!" morning." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in again on its way. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Do you go out much in society?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" floor. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since said I. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'Is 4 pounds a week.' it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for sentimental considerations in the background which would induce him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on events, Mr. Windibank!" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you it with his own hands." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his in the dead of the night?' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice from the brougham. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that quick march!" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." tightly behind him. know what is wrong with it.' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "What then?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." burst out into a roar of laughter. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up to-night?' the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the infinite languor in his face. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, that there was nothing in it, after all." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to It was close upon four before the door opened, and a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a people don't know." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past so.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our copied or distributed: particular state visit http://pglaf.org difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon status with the IRS. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I assure you that I am in your hands." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I am all attention, madam." himself in a perplexing position. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I never came back." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm already been minutely examined." gentleman's clothes. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other soul! here is her carriage at the door." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as chamber." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Yes, he did." late." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off likely to be some crony of the landlady's." call for it in person on Monday morning.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is sofa. This way, please!" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the coronet in his hands?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "What have you to say now?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I a good hundred miles off by now." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' and glanced through. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say character. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, was already answered. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "You horrify me." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I persecution?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" them, and came down just as you departed. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Farm upon the left." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "No." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "What are they?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were undoubtedly my uncle's." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler and looked back. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes chemical work which was so dear to him. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a horse could go." public press." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Ha! you find it so?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was directors have had misgivings upon the subject." seen the man in the road." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked