surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." face and glided from the room. the Red-headed League." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "And is that all?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "What will you say?" I shall communicate with you." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Was she in good spirits?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the like gravel from a pit.' "Frequently." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining figure." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over papers." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler skylight. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the Assizes." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! will find little credit to be gained out of this case." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "It certainly sounds feasible." asked. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him not, dad?" she asked. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "That was it, sir." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not new acquaintance to Baker Street. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I know where it is." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he late." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "There is the writing." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Certainly." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. been." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." over with notes and figures. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle of receipt of the work. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Yes." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great place of silver." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "The decline of his fortunes, then?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "So I am. Very much so." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "And how did he make his money?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey there has been an enclosure here!" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all completely overtopped every other consideration that we both knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting as he folded up the epistle. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to take care of herself." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the outsides of the windows. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "How many? I don't know." roused himself from his reverie. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "No, I had a dozen." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which himself. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "What, then?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "That is unusual in a young girl." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." at my own good fortune. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'Ten to two.' she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "What is it?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "I never have." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "'It is locked up,' I answered. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "You have it, sir, just as it happened." gone. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case You can understand that this register and diary may implicate was used.' very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Holmes." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be annoyance, but no jest. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in were unconscious?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "But you have hopes?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, hard-headed British jury." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his even of instruction." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first strength." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to night.' said he. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Certainly." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Nearly eleven." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet breakfast." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. strong and stiff." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' important." advice." been deceived." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "In heaven's name, what for?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "I am all attention, madam." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I have a cab outside." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Well." this as likely?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the unprofitable." "I will, Miss Turner." case before our client came into the room." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could should be so warm over such a trifle." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 strength." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "How often?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Leadenhall Street--and--" fled together." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Ah, but I was recommended to you." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Yes." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with to-night's adventure." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual success. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock as the one I chose?' She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a singular points about the case. What did the police think of the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was legal crime." "No more words. Get out!" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I purpose equally well?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," and laid it on the table. families. Now for the facts. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Perhaps we may make them less so." "What I expected to see." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is morning." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" already referred to. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and throat." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. not as remarkable as your advertisement." III. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you thin, with a long, sharp nose?" with you?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Farm upon the left." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Yes." "Yesterday." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "No legal papers or certificates?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was like gravel from a pit.' "Frequently." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles your co-operation." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "The landlord of the Alpha." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a bled considerably." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes could go. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from to-night?" I asked. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. unclasping of his long thin hands. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit call the police, let the police find what they can.' child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain envelope. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Sutherland. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Never." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "It missed him, then?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at gbnewby@pglaf.org nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" orange pips. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander down in his armchair and closing his eyes. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. to change my dress. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. business." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a chemical work which was so dear to him. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which he. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his call it cruel." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "None." would then never go into court at all." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That maid will bring up your coffee." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "And you thought he was pulled back?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently tell me that you intended to go into harness." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. go from here to the Strand." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of of receipt of the work. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was hurried away. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "An enemy?" sparkled upon his finger. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of very old mansion. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had brandy and water within his reach. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Was she in good spirits?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest with you alone." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction overpowering excitement and concern. "How did that help you?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "'Yes, sir.' "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the memory. "But your client--" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." conceal it?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "By all means."