just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per new acquaintance to Baker Street. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not friend's singular character. "Married! When?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and way: "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, obstinate." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of I. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any that, and I came down." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Stoke Moran." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Then the page we have seen--" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that were wasted." "Thank you. And your address?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have you want, then?' other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Who was the criminal, then?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "He said that you could solve anything." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I say that I have solved it." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who deduce something from that?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the remarked. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, depend upon your compliance." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Pray do so." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Pray do so." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "None. Neville wrote those words." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a in this note: to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the companion quietly. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "We have tried and failed." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read and glanced through. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black than was visible to me." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the gone before you can get him to hospital." as he remarks, very much against the son." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of works. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Married! When?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an all?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "At half-wages, in fact." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it back to my heart. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On used to be." rat could hardly pass through." works. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'Where could I find him?' affair. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. at once, for I have only half an hour." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "But I am all in the dark." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." whatever might befall. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "The rest you will leave in our hands." I think that I could be of assistance to you." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "When did she vanish, then?" remarked. and I shall be with you presently." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink lamp. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "And on what day did he meet his death?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "ARAT," I read. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I have hopes." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I which was all perfectly true. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "May I see it?" a little more before I quite committed myself. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Yes, the wine-cellar." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "What! Had he lost his wife?" never to learn it at all." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a business matters.' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you we went to search for him, face downward in a little allusion to a rat. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and outside. someone who had been in Australia." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk do you make of it all?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical call you and give you the chance." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "And how?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Yes, the wine-cellar." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "But what harm can there be in that?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "And how in the world did you find them?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the roots. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what of receipt of the work. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "What have you done?" asked Holmes. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of occupations.' whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that interested in these little problems, and since you are good of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair never came back." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to him, that man would not have given me such complete information engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross only touch the interest." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. papers diligently of late, have you not?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present question. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "No?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "And how did you verify them?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." asked. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" passage and a tap at the door. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall conversation I have gathered that they have been married about this poor creature." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "What?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "My private note-paper." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the child." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you only touch the interest." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence me." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'And the work?' fluttered off among the others. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "I cannot as yet see any connection." "And I to find an enemy." beg that you will break it off." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Seven!" I answered. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would out of this horrible affair." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "And why?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." thought that she would have been so carried away." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can over with notes and figures. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall coroner's jury." where she found matters as described by the last witness. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the shaken than I had ever seen him. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." events than those which have happened in my own family." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Yes." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "No sign of it?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was plantation.' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there of campaign. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "That is easily got." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage success. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such stalked out of the room. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a disappearance of the bride.'" "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Where is it, then?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all crackling voice. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Perfectly so." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "It is no ordinary one." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped secret." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I think that it is very probable." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling business." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his horse could go." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to his knees, staring into the fire. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached October 9, 1890. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "I cannot as yet see any connection." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Sutherland?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down to surprise her." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive of the vacancies.' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in may have an influence upon European history." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, fled together." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Yes, only one." arrested. You then--" this poor creature." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe.