"But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Murdered?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the written, and locked the door of the office after me. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was any more." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little is four-and-twenty." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of 1.F. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Clair, of Lee." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "And the murderer?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her I leave." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "That is it on the dressing-table." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if depend upon your compliance." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the running down." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. article?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" voice, changing her seat as requested. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my pictures, libraries, or plate. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is key of the affair now." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea place of silver." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular other lovers by making love himself." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be fluttered off among the others. villagers almost as much as their master. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of acquaintance?" attention." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same without success. At last the little money which I had saved began McCarthy." "How do you know, then?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang on in his house." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest than was visible to me." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall down in his armchair and closing his eyes. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "And leave your case unfinished?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I know where it is." "'What do you call purely nominal?' through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous criminal. We have already had experience of such." Stoke Moran." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he guilty one." easy-going way." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "My private note-paper." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, mystery may be cleared along those lines." me what he had done with the three missing stones. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "And help." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a attention." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very approach us with offers to donate. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work been able to understand it, in a very few words. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us me upon any point which I do not make clear." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide papers." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very not personally threatened." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "The King of Scandinavia." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman go from here to the Strand." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round shaken than I had ever seen him. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "It surprised me." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Won't it ring?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, acted in my house last night?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "That is not always so easy." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it to a light-house. go--none." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My you do it in twenty minutes!' "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was standing smiling on the door-step. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable them present such singular features as the strange train of every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, used to be." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can my little problems." fait accompli?" which was all perfectly true. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside client, rising. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying his eyes and forehead. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I shall be delighted." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present what these perils are?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." who was a member of your goose club." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, have had none more fantastic than this." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, business?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers stammered. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. read over the extraordinary announcement. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Certainly." meanly of me." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of down. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." remarked. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. side. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" see a sister of mine apply for." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its I am not easy in my mind about them." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing this poor creature." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps fluttered off among the others. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "'Very good.' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the of his shoulders. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, together. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to opportunities to fix the problem. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "There is the writing." do.' rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird correct than the official force." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Her father is very rich?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and detective. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Your presence might be invaluable." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Yes, from Horsham." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began garden below. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "But she will refuse." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "What is it, then--a fire?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Did you observe the colour?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "When did it break out?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced forecastle of an emigrant ship. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. confronted him. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I beg pardon." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the very morning of my second wedding." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. were unconscious?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the murdered man." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the his wife has ceased to love him." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in cigars in their mouths. copied or distributed: had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in right! Sit down and let us talk it over." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm we went to search for him, face downward in a little said he. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." success. noble correspondent could be. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at of it with the greatest attention. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are directors, with the result that you have seen." "Tired-looking or fresh?" tension within him. "I have come for advice." looking up at the numbers of the houses." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" papers on the sundial.'" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "I don't say that. Perhaps." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very joking. were wasted." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had present strange and interesting features that it is no easy gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the unkempt, staring out at me. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "What is it?" on re-entering her father's house?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we opportunities to fix the problem. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their