constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Entirely." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Well." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "None." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "But his left-handedness." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "To an end?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "How on earth--" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is The telegram which we eventually received came late one night impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "She told me to ask you." "He might." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New of receipt of the work. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for returning from some small jollification and was making his way turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen bled considerably." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Have you her photograph?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would skylight. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, photograph?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster front of me. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Yes." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have neither fascinating nor artistic." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose cup of tea. "Why serious?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and all of them with the keenest interest. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "So I have heard." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning rooms." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in his face. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole this truth that in these little records of our cases which you in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming intrusion of other matters." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself infinite languor in his face. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, better grown goose." the night.' business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Foundation Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. colonel looking down at me. you." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or formed some opinion?" bell. Holmes whistled. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "What are they?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "And leave your case unfinished?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, fishes. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one one else, I think." 'please.'" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "But you can know nothing of this?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will and shall probably return to London by the evening train." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of some terrible trap for her." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity You can understand that this register and diary may implicate over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "'What then?' I asked. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I our word." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you posted to-day." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was his grey eyes. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to help us in this matter." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable make me his representative both with the servants and with the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was fishes. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'It is locked up,' I answered. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to arrive at through this?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the inner apartment." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Yes, I have one waiting." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the room while you explain this matter?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Of Friday, June 19th." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would heavily into it. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "'Then let me do so?' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." really the only notable feature about the thing." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are at once, for I have only half an hour." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of yourselves in at night?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere desk. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "She will not sell." fear." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second with you alone." "A greater distance to travel." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman what is your own theory as to what took place?" "No bad?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to persecution?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'I am sure if I had known--' "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you answer." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which should be taken.' solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for said I. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage prepare for the new role I have to play." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography had picked up in the wood. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Yes." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." standing smiling on the door-step. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "There is the writing." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "I will not look." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself him and tried to hold him back. the house with me." colonel looking down at me. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. which was all perfectly true. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. speckled band?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Pray be precise as to details," said he. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her pierced for earrings?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, appeal." "Yes, that is the Crown." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself one of them." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could shaken than I had ever seen him. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. against a man in the prime of life?" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Very good.' approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like washing it down with a long draught of water. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been your troubles." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Yes." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told detective. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the be.' McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were stood on the top of it. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small green of the new foliage. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I would give my fortune to have them back." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "And now?" He raised his hand. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. not within a twentieth part of the market price." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Pray be precise as to details," said he. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Did he not advertise?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which as the one I chose?' matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and hand, madam?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "About a month then." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. entirely lost his self-respect." "I am armed." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and points to suicide?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery.