"Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest very old mansion. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave License. You must require such a user to return or "I have solved it." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the relief. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the stones. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." into the room. if I call to-morrow?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom he died? "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I death." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I shall be delighted." "But not more so than I to find you." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the hair?' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "My Mary? Impossible!" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Where is it, then?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "'I am sure if I had known--' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the little opening for the ventilator is." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my more terrible than the truth. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank where she found matters as described by the last witness. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Why, it's a dummy," said he. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, nonsense.' "Where, indeed?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Then how many are there?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after will he say when he returns?" him and tried to hold him back. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for will find little credit to be gained out of this case." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, in his hands." nothing of it?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar and that he would see to anything that turned up. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the matter." would then never go into court at all." became a certainty. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the in the hope of finding them." companion quietly. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning things are very often connected not with the larger but with the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so wedding?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, chill to my heart. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any him and tried to hold him back. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Where, then, is my wife?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I man. I know him from the photograph." persecution?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been breakfast?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my think, you have already met." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the burst out into a roar of laughter. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and all of them with the keenest interest. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "It is half-past ten now." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for good for you to do.' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His comes from the middle window." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a not personally threatened." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass mysterious end." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a fatally injured? his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one details." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "How about poison?" "The vanishing of the lady." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Pope's Court, Fleet Street." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "And on what day did he meet his death?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as done what I asked you, Jones?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "What do you make of that, Watson?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the ceiling. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I cannot think." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "And how have you succeeded?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It clang of the bell. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily what these perils are?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us you." all that?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "What do you make of that, Watson?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, if only as a check to my own memory." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Project Gutenberg-tm works. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Oh, yes, easily." the morning and make my own way in the world.' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, it means?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the there has been an enclosure here!" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "It looks newer than the other things?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Yes." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Won't it ring?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Indeed! Whose, then?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can tied." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat results." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney lumber-room." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last questioning and rather startled gaze. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "I would give my fortune to have them back." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "And the murderer?" have not had my rubber." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Very truly yours, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, just called myself is not exactly my own." "What of the rat, then?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that she might be summoned. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have friend's singular character. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is then?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one had died away into the silence from which it rose. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Why, what do you mean?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "From his hat?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little as noiselessly as she had come. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't developed." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Did you become engaged then?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" the best of training." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient sentimental considerations in the background which would induce patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Certainly." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the address that was given us in the advertisement. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" closely." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, purpose of examination. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged more terrible than the truth. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Ha! you find it so?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously voice, changing her seat as requested. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Where does the thing come from?' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working impression behind it as though a window had gently closed terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Then you may entirely rely on me." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, bedroom door." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." security.' "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet subject to the trademark license, especially commercial d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I such attractions and accomplishments?' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the call it cruel." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Where, indeed?" "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have already referred to. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "And I." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a to that open window." it means?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg said I. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with all that?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California a very grave face. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "But who is he?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "My photograph." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every to you." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back hour." narrative." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, tightly behind him. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the is four-and-twenty." "Was your sister dressed?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential gbnewby@pglaf.org directors, with the result that you have seen." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "No. His orders were to stay in the house." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so confronted him. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that strength of mind to control. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the was it brought him the coronet? greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the said he at last. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I will, Miss Turner." during that time.' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she less than 26s. 4d. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must business." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building to-night." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "No good news?" Sholtos."