"The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has through." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there soul! here is her carriage at the door." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'Yes, I promise.' crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when and a shock of very red hair. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went IS his huge brown hands. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said eat it." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Yes, that is the Crown." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "But how will you look?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel wedding?" "No good news?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. chance." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" head. So long, then!" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and a little more before I quite committed myself. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, wedding?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "But what is it you wish?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "He is dead," cried several voices. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" you in your example." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall frequently gained my first real insight into the character of to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." here." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange During two years I have had three consultations and one small road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "No. His orders were to stay in the house." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an union?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Do you go out much in society?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are in a friendly supper." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and companion. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in clang of the bell. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had my former friend and companion. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim some terrible trap for her." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, discontent upon his features. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will My friend smiled. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who 'please.'" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "It is a murder, then?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, friend's singular character. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "And your mother is alive?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks not fit the lock." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were his huge brown hands. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. hands. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Who was the criminal, then?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "'It is locked up,' I answered. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." whatever might befall. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "None." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. back to my heart. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the coronet in his hand?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt meanly of me." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Perhaps I have." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Holmes' thin, eager face. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "By no means." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us humiliation." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened you." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you weapon." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "There are none." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the always that they were such commands as a lady might with if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem clanging. passage and a tap at the door. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of standing smiling on the door-step. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no address. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he an introduction to him?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Nothing." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to done what I asked you, Jones?" II. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally giving me time to thank him. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'I have already given you my word.' bled considerably." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. one of them." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "None." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Yes. He waved his hands." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily in the hope of finding them." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the prisoner's face. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no call it cruel." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light green of the new foliage. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his dramatic, in fact." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Yes, certainly." salesman. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "A greater distance to travel." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Literary Archive Foundation "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I pound a week." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the Assizes." next day. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. father's place of business?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have have established a very serious case against the son of the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door your troubles." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Did he not advertise?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Precisely." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "But the mystery?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it seven miles from Eyford Station.' to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Project Gutenberg-tm works. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included young Openshaw's." "You saw the ventilator, too?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. appeared upon the scene." night.' said he. the station." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the to tackle the facts." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you your own bird, so if you wish--" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" outsides of the windows. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and business matters.' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded was not a bird to be seen there. "It is a murder, then?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as you?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'I shall certainly be there.' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and placed his cuttings. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You married her." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Frequently." fire. You quite follow me?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Sholtos." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said the window, rose as we entered. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he down in his armchair and closing his eyes. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such too. carpenter." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' to go into your room and bar your shutters?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Nothing?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of campaign. "Thank you. And your address?" my little problems." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "What are they?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his II. writers could invent nothing more crude." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Can I be of assistance?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'I have heard so.' from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that