the loss of it. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my house for five minutes.' concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I am in hopes that she does." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "And what did you learn from him?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in main points of my analysis." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Absolutely none." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "No." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking their singular warning or token before them when starting upon used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Foundation "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Which surely he restored to their owner?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Imitated." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "He said too much." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has acted in my house last night?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Then I do not see the point." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Upon what point?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided most important business. It is probable that he will be away all gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Holmes. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told tail." "May I see it?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at his eyes and forehead. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Then, how do you know?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other my special province." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I breakfast?" "And from a noble client?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with mysterious business." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "'I have heard so.' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project conceal it?" and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see there was no need for father to know." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. take the flies, but not before." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I in his hands." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really have I gained?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down hair?' is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I am about to be married." presented more singular features than that which was associated My friend smiled. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found burst into a hearty fit of laughter. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's ventilator." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I guessed as much." lamp in his hand. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "When did she vanish, then?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich that he will be back before evening." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, will take you up to see the machine.' dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a light and attacked it." "What is it?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, to talk it over. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "The vanishing of the lady." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and I was concerned in it." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "What then?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I am armed." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Then, how do you know?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "One?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not should be taken.' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in certainly do as you advise." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'I shall certainly be there.' vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "What! You do not mean bodies?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the 'please.'" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was *** START: FULL LICENSE *** had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Where, indeed?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among strong and stiff." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "I should be immensely obliged to you." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband charge against him will break down." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Was she in good spirits?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Is he quiet?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no walking." security.' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the warnings." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." me where it went to?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the coroner come to?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "And you don't know his address?" Count Von Kramm." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an felt?" only touch the interest." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like to me. "Yes, the wine-cellar." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" matters immensely." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the both be extremely obliged.' thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the during that time.' dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss shall not find me ungrateful." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any bird I ate is country bred." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "The rest you will leave in our hands." as the one I chose?' and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "But how will you look?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As occurred." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." were new raised from a basin. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more you." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the coronet at all injured?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Entirely." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in I. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after trifles." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud public press." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the intrusion of other matters." pressing in one house as in another. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." signal between you and your father? police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in your room." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "The doctor?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has easy-going way." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change the side-table." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "'Yes, sir.' that threaten you." was lame." bird of prey. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "9th. McCauley cleared. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been DISSOLVED. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." interested in these little problems, and since you are good remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare know what is wrong with it.' there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all standing smiling on the door-step. "You were travelling in the States?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the matter?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "And you can do nothing until then?" wedding?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that I held the little printed slip to the light. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will could gather together that I was able to avert another public if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not once more. have an American origin." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "You did not overhear what they said?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted thin, with a long, sharp nose?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that of this gang." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Holmes' thin, eager face. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "My last client of the sort was a king." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a had a long day." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of away into the river." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you his grey eyes. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and it." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a our word." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the prepare for the new role I have to play." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has since then to throw any light upon what became of him." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "But you have hopes?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped again." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon never to learn it at all." room had already been engaged for us. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I case-book, which he consulted. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came used to be." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the within hail.' usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "'Ample.' "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when you came in." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and round with crates and massive boxes. anything to do with the matter?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Where did he live, then?" "What are they?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the hand, madam?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings himself to hunt down. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day do you make of it all?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Upon what point?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "No bad?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight forbidden door. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the up this clue while it is still hot." what do you think they found in the pockets?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall said I. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Serpentine Avenue. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Who by?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock beyond words. point in the dark hollow of his hand. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack.