train from Paddington which would bring you there at about of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of whole matter to your consideration." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. redistribution. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, beg that you will break it off." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain that there was nothing in it, after all." away into the river." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and imbecility!" he cried. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Never." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Dirty?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled even of instruction." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Then you may be so with me." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing of a light. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Well." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, imbecility!" he cried. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford stammered. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Mary, has deserted me." "None." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Then the page we have seen--" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have were unconscious?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Whose house is it?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "And that is--" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I really the only notable feature about the thing." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "You saw the ventilator, too?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Indeed! Whose, then?" "ARAT," I read. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "It is half-past ten now." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Surrey." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on allusion to a rat. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried were unconscious?" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a row." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, anything to do with the matter?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you posted to-day." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" as this. Pray let me have the details." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, have not had my rubber." delighted to hear it," he said. south, for the country is more deserted there." sparkled upon his finger. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Pray continue your narrative." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'Why that?' I asks. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to are, I think, all that we need." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "And how in the world did you find them?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two likely to be some crony of the landlady's." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to frequently gained my first real insight into the character of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of held up the lantern and gazed about him. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "May I see it?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. rat could hardly pass through." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout III. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but case before our client came into the room." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll with the outside air!" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I London for the present?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." something of him before." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "An enemy?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence could not account in any way for the presence of the missing that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. outsides of the windows. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the extraordinary contortions. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a once more to my work. "And I say east," said my patient. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the had formerly been in part my own. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we events than those which have happened in my own family." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a in his power. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' time." you." "We have tried and failed." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I pound a week." colonel looking down at me. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked upon the shelf for the interim." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Game for a morning drive?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution would then never go into court at all." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we pity, because in other respects you would really have done very peculiar to him. how narrow had been my escape. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you one of the states of the Union." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as over here." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by furiously. into the room. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point we went to search for him, face downward in a little "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened fishes. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and a shock of very red hair. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "And it is--" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in ill-usage at the hands of fortune. breakfast." golden eyeglasses. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official results." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was felt?" "How often?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." do.' but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. without a word or a look. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "An enemy?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower might help us?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss coat-tails." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these call it cruel." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Yes, sir." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the photograph?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Where, then, is my wife?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came pierced for earrings?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a again on its way. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Surrey." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "You will not go there first?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "This photograph!" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Well, some hundreds of times." fact, we may call it conclusive." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Then, how do you know?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport guilty parties." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the cigars in the box." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Not yet." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Then I shall certainly come." awkward doing business with an alias." "My dear Holmes!" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; beyond words. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the child." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "None." http://www.gutenberg.net the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. so.' her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "But he might be a bachelor." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven page at http://pglaf.org off." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "But not more so than I to find you." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my there were so many in the whole country as were brought together and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'A dozen yards or so.' "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and your relations to her." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire least a most suspicious remark." closing the door. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the stable lane now." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "And you can do nothing until then?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and questionable one." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Ha! you find it so?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is appeal." was a lad." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is certainly not very gracious." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and