perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point him to be an active member of the medical profession." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the said he. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money down. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, best detective that ever lived. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, cause to be." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! nice household for a young lady." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I entirely lost his self-respect." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down papers on the sundial.'" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but his huge brown hands. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Never." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's to talk it over. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "That is not always so easy." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. http://gutenberg.net/license). See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and key of the affair now." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, better in every way that they should make their position a little its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are pity, because in other respects you would really have done very back alive. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, with you?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' place of silver." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the straighten it?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Very well, sir. And this stone?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste you." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few to a light-house. "None." "Yes, certainly." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Precisely." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "It is no ordinary one." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "An enemy?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "It may not come to that," said Holmes. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" eavesdroppers?' answered with a sidelong glance. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. definite end. "Here?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of conduct the inquiry." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Deserted you?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me have an American origin." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am nonsense.' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "I see no marks." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "But she will refuse." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with already been minutely examined." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear kindly on the shoulder. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and This is what he says: and looked back. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Very much so." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Look there!" said he. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian would apply.' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the before the coroner and the police-court." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit evidence," I remarked. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "We must sit without light. He would see it through the breakfast?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a in his power. "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent question. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good mysterious business." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had of." way in." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a at home. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Yes, but only for you and me." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With particular state visit http://pglaf.org "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before own family. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all persecution?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Where, then?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still dramatic, in fact." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." burst out into a roar of laughter. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared a few minutes he said that it would be all right. plantation.' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Perhaps we may make them less so." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose go--none." joking. province." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were strong and stiff." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. desk. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'Certainly not.' which was all perfectly true. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. invisible to me," I remarked. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "It is possible." "Not in a good cause." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. entirely lost his self-respect." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "'Yes, sir.' came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Pray do so." "Oh, fresh and glossy." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a to surprise her." "My own seal." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were bell. Holmes whistled. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Stolen, then." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed noble correspondent could be. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. asked with his eyes open. to his chemical studies. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Yes, he did." strength in the others." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Then he might have called to you?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: events, Mr. Windibank!" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His observed. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a nice household for a young lady." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Really! You surprise me." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Certainly, madam." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Come in!" said he. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has see a sister of mine apply for." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts himself. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per door?" your bag." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely cigar and let me expound." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "And how have you succeeded?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'Where to?' side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "I should like to see him very much." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain locked. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on upon the white wrist. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "I promise," said Holmes. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. II. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he business in the City. She little knew what. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able in this way: believe that I should never have any practice at all. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'Yes, sir.' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several joking. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to his face. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed national property. I was determined that the law should have its latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "But of what society?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "A confidential servant?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'I am sure if I had known--' companion quietly. to-night?' "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and wedding?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the it with his own hands." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the nursery. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "I cannot as yet see any connection." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "That is unusual in a young girl." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the inner apartment." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "He disappeared so suddenly." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she one else, I think." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the if she died from some sudden fright." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil companion imperturbably. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, all-comprehensive glances. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the