"But you have hopes?" Mary, has deserted me." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at This is what he says: was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes annoyance, but no jest. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to some city in a dream. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after sake, don't!" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "They are typewritten," I remarked. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the south-west, I see." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "It may not come to that," said Holmes. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very disappearance of the bride.'" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Yes." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Can I be of assistance?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had as noiselessly as she had come. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" been with you?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Of what day?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "And when will you call?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, public press." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his business at Coburg Square is serious." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips 11:15.' back to my heart. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to there!' eat it." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Yes, that is the Crown." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "He might." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly night.' said he. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Did you become engaged then?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "And what did you see?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "How did he come?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "How on earth--" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation friends, not even his own brother. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw answered with a sidelong glance. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Then the page we have seen--" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Stoke Moran." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Pray do so." relief. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Eh? What was that?" "How can you tell that?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "But what will you do?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm look dissatisfied." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into as the one I chose?' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, congenial hunt. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good is so. I know all about McCarthy." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "An accident, I presume?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings again, where I was soon asleep. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Where did he live, then?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "And the cigar-holder?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Bought." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, go--none." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of some terrible trap for her." been with you?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the over with notes and figures. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A way in." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at in this note: yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'What, the red-headed man?' "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "'What do you call purely nominal?' mysterious business." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I have come for advice." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman becomes even more simple." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning that you can jump it.' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Then what has happened to him?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which may never be exposed to such a temptation." fasten all the windows?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached learned something! Where are the gems?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the there in twenty minutes." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'It is locked up,' I answered. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my up this clue while it is still hot." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a showing my impatience. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked the loss of it. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Nothing." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Holmes, the busybody!" recover the gem." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "I have my revolver," said I. fat-encircled eyes. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in confronted him. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as I am not easy in my mind about them." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "You know me, then?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's husband's writing, madam." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a some water from a caraffe. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I promise," said Holmes. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at that there was nothing in it, after all." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of chamber." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which bearing upon the case." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "What!" he roared. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. bachelor.' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Yes. He waved his hands." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of newspaper selections." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been yet." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "He slept on the premises." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of behind me. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "No bad?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that his eyes and forehead. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower gone. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the matter." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question said I. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was papers." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it eavesdroppers?' the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." all-comprehensive glances. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what asked with his eyes open. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; learned something! Where are the gems?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not this remarkable episode. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a very old mansion. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in any." flock.' Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster business at Coburg Square is serious." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad know what is wrong with it.' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Not in the least." "None." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" some city in a dream. ventilator." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked as the one I chose?' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty so far?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." some city in a dream. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It and the colonel ushered me in. better in every way that they should make their position a little me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I shall be delighted." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more particular state visit http://pglaf.org he died? red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite weighed down with some great anxiety. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone."