great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Precisely." "When did it break out?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes know that the truth is known." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that or in danger--" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a you for a few hours?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by are windows in it, of course?" questioning and rather startled gaze. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after nothing of it?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the roots. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Yes." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "One of the highest in England." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the child." "Was she in good spirits?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be rooms." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon was used.' "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such approach us with offers to donate. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to with some details as to your case." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "It certainly sounds feasible." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the Red-headed League." "What then?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "And how did you verify them?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I it with his own hands." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "It is very clear." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious she slowly sank and died without having recovered her be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her too. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of results." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Why? What do you mean?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, events, Mr. Windibank!" gigantic client. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of was lame." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the three of the beryls in it, was missing. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent opened the door, and slipped through. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the married her." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK guilty one." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the bare slabs of marble. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I she slowly sank and died without having recovered her of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy whether it answered to the description of any of their what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I was sure that I might rely on you." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "He said that you could solve anything." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Upon what point?" papers on the sundial.'" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." had formerly been in part my own. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Then I do not see the point." "There are none." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "And who is her maid?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Not him." the ceiling. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Never." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." closely." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage matters immensely." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of problems help me to do so." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "And why in hopes?" had picked up in the wood. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I was certainly surprised to find you there." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it seem to you to be relevant or not." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right power." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your up this clue while it is still hot." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Stoke Moran." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "And Irene Adler?" his wife has ceased to love him." gone before you can get him to hospital." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Then you may be so with me." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might said I. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." and capable of preserving a secret.' "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official maid will bring up your coffee." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad little adventures." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "I cannot imagine." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on ran thus: "What have you to say now?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could fatally injured? "And who is her maid?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'And what are they worth?' I asked. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Nothing?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and figure." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no three of the beryls in it, was missing. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Edgeware Road. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "What, then?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "That is it on the dressing-table." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than bird I ate is country bred." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it bare slabs of marble. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Can I be of assistance?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular questionable one." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Ah!" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "And that is--" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the so far?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric tapping his fingers upon the table. "Whose house is it?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Why serious?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the night.' makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in was a lad." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers his wife has ceased to love him." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My kindly on the shoulder. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "That is easily got." again, where I was soon asleep. outbreak?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from crime." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing key turn in the lock." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for swore that no one else had been in the front room during the all?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "We have tried and failed." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "What will you say?" delirious. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes young Openshaw's." "You forget that I know nothing about it." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. mystery." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "But how will you look?" least a most suspicious remark." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered other lovers by making love himself." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the all?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Imitated." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely since then to throw any light upon what became of him." to me. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with appeared upon the scene." been." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that bears upon the case?" "So it appears." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Not I." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "It looks newer than the other things?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable carpenter." your room." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in business in the City. She little knew what. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Of what?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "I should wish to." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "'Yes, I promise.' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been colour had been driven from his face. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been a room. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the Friday. Was it to be in church?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on public press." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so nonsense.' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened McCarthy." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'I shall certainly be there.' their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign invisible to me," I remarked. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon III. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever answer." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "'Where could I find him?' "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "No, my brougham is waiting." all-comprehensive glances. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the knowledge of the world." "Who by?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant night.' said he. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture