"The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your conceal it?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So cheerful." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "On Monday." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Absolutely?" husband's writing, madam." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether crowd. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to bell. Holmes whistled. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional sofa. This way, please!" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one sofa. This way, please!" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "When did it break out?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong to his chemical studies. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Proceed, then." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I would pay ten." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue this truth that in these little records of our cases which you B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the and no precautions can guard against." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera examination of the premises, but without finding anything which something of him before." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I shall be delighted." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the man. I know him from the photograph." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very heavily into it. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to them?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I cannot imagine." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "What have you to say now?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded kindly on the shoulder. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I will try. What is it?" showing my impatience. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "No." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "That is not always so easy." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. hopeless attempt at recovering them." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of money should be paid at once.' but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "But who is he?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil corner of the building. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the miles off. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Yes, from Horsham." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, lamp. it." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for crime." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that she has been waylaid. There has been no result." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that narrative." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his thought that she would have been so carried away." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him shaken than I had ever seen him. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. McCarthy." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the quickly through a disagreeable task. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "What shall I do?" "I see many objections to any such theory." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "It was." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "No bad?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual was shining brightly. writing, and yet I know it well." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were 'please.'" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "No, but the enclosure is." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It vault. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hands. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for furiously. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the little opening for the ventilator is." was a loud and authoritative tap. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "And when will you call?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and are windows in it, of course?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding lumber-room." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "And how in the world did you find them?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Pray let us have it, for all that." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "It looks newer than the other things?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or said he. "Seven!" I answered. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "'Very good.' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, spare." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Deserted you?" vault. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and you?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "And how have you succeeded?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to British peeress.'" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not some terrible trap for her." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were whatever might befall. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a you?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I am following you closely," I answered. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I don't believe it." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Well, but China?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Yes." place of silver." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, comes from the middle window." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt it were putty." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other until night should bring an explanation. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would call the police, let the police find what they can.' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "A confidential servant?" the little opening for the ventilator is." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow respectable self." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. out of this horrible affair." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. place of silver." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are that?' way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "My dear Holmes!" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Very well, sir. And this stone?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you outside." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a man. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It observed. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have case-book, which he consulted. the Red-headed League." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious key of the affair now." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the best of training." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It his face. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for could go. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." stood on the top of it. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad written, and locked the door of the office after me. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into power." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all again before evening." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for he died? have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour of Mr. Rucastle's." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "If I can be of use." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the upon the white wrist. should be so warm over such a trifle." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods to a light-house. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "What?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself that you can jump it.' alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the in the dead of the night?' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Nothing." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a light and attacked it." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own it." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," vault. "And I to find an enemy." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which true." his knees, staring into the fire. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and inquire as to the address." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it."