"Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the yourselves in at night?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Yes." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. photograph?" up this clue while it is still hot." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows forebodings. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the loss of it. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" was already answered. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is ill-usage at the hands of fortune. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "The Cedars?" said he. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the will he say when he returns?" "Could he throw no light?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Was she in good spirits?" empty. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "'Quite sure, dad.' whole matter to your consideration." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were nonsense.' where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, maid will bring up your coffee." "This photograph!" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Who was the criminal, then?" anything to do with the matter?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "But she could not love him." "That you are never beaten." should be so warm over such a trifle." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "In answer to an advertisement." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless definite end. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Then you may be so with me." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Which are?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running was used.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who come either from the window or the door. My attention was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Do you go out much in society?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me companion. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Yes." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box mystery may be cleared along those lines." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a bare slabs of marble. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. remarked. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not brain must have something in it." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" child?' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to one else, I think." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock straightened it out again. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and with the outside air!" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord families. Now for the facts. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "What is it?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "That's no good." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "That also I could fathom." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "How often?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at very morning of my second wedding." she used." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "They are typewritten," I remarked. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "No?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of over here." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. IS I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it had picked up in the wood. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. would apply.' and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the her also." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily washing it down with a long draught of water. "No more words. Get out!" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "But not more so than I to find you." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "May I see it?" to tell." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which the best of training." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Why? What do you mean?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'Oh, no.' three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had how narrow had been my escape. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an nothing with him." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' in one or two places in England?' vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in before the coroner and the police-court." "But you can know nothing of this?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, security.' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it John Swain, of St. Augustine. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and effective." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who help us in this matter." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. It may be so in this case, also." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed and files of the old papers, following the future career of every doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he away to you." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Have you good authority for what you say?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, quick march!" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Well." narrative." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. giving me time to thank him. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will as this. Pray let me have the details." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant key of the affair now." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about subject to the trademark license, especially commercial could gather together that I was able to avert another public daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to corner of the building. walking." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from feature." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "And Miss Sutherland?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Precisely." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was thin, with a long, sharp nose?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew that threaten you." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of it with his own hands." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." compunction about shooting them down." "Upon what point?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler his fortune, and I went back to pa. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me photograph?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the character. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "The doctor?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman this as likely?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "VIOLET HUNTER." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the driver. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a detective. at home. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" figure." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "What I expected to see." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than occupations.' "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice have one." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Seven!" I answered. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'I shall certainly be there.' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into next day. morning." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Dr. Becher's." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "But your client--" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your been shamefully used." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, not within a twentieth part of the market price." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door already referred to. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been have one." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Yes." forebodings. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "And your father? Did you tell him?" again before evening." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight awaited us upon the table. voice, changing her seat as requested. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our very morning of my second wedding." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest away into the river." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." what I may call a really hard day's work." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that who was a member of your goose club." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "It is solved." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah round with crates and massive boxes. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag