were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now man. I know him from the photograph." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his you came in." recover the gem." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." plantation.' Where does the thing come from?' it." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out here and I will read it to you: I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "'Certainly,' I answered. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is you in yours." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of there were one or two details which were new to me. But the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the guilty one." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' retorted upon me, and I on you." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Certainly, madam." thin legs towards the fire. "Yes, from Horsham." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that in his hands." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes knowledge of the world." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Was he the only applicant?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my that I can to serve you." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always correct than the official force." said he. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, outbreak?" "Witness: I must still refuse. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love extraordinary contortions. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not started for the Temple to see my husband. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Frequently." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before may have an influence upon European history." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a unkempt, staring out at me. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered are, I think, all that we need." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had of a light. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the like that before?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the felt?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you in the dead of the night?' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away it." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that, and I came down." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "To an end?" "'Certainly,' I answered. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that strode off upon his way. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "No more words. Get out!" confronted him. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Upon what point?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Murdered?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Serpentine Avenue. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Then how many are there?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to that open window." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "And that is--" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, opportunities to fix the problem. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "None." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with opportunities to fix the problem. indeed which he could not unravel. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to colour had been driven from his face. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this vague figure huddled up in the darkness. chance at all." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Where did he live, then?" room had already been engaged for us. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of or other trace. But how on earth--" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your giving me time to thank him. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit one which it was hard to resist. congratulate you again." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing and capable of preserving a secret.' dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Was your sister dressed?" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Holmes' face clouded over. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake deduce something from that?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," cost them two and thirty pounds." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Nothing?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "On the contrary, this is the right side." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Gutenberg-tm License. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and London for the present?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Yes, it would be as well." get the tickets." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent client, rising. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan pictures, libraries, or plate. second window is the one that I jumped from." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Will you go?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H then?" made him keep the appointment." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "So I have heard." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I death." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "No bad?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the meanly of me." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "It goes to the housekeeper's room." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good maiden herself was most instructive." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last fuss that is made over them." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a later, upon the night of May 2nd." "But how?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Won't it ring?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'Oh, no.' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and all of them with the keenest interest. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are his face. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" have not had my rubber." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock eat it." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the prepare for the new role I have to play." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." you came in." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at disturbance in my wife." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the front of me. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even never to learn it at all." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "You are hungry," I remarked. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down next day. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Yes." "How are you getting on?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "9th. McCauley cleared. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was question," said Holmes, smiling. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to late." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "I think that it is very probable." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's green of the new foliage. without a word or a look. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "I have a cab outside." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of hopeless attempt at recovering them." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "One of his hands." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, away into the river." that I can to serve you." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the said he. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the address that was given us in the advertisement. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, placed his cuttings. presented more singular features than that which was associated public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. introspective fashion. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it affection." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. seem to you to be relevant or not." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One newspaper selections." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was formed some opinion?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened