"You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Yes, only one." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no attention." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "And you thought he was pulled back?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid hour." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "An enemy?" You want to know what became of those geese?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter know all about it," he snarled. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "No, but the enclosure is." get the tickets." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the coroner come to?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the developed." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a use an arc-and-compass breastpin." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's legal crime." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "You did not overhear what they said?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" them?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of I think that I could be of assistance to you." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the of the one which your family is now devouring." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Was there a secret marriage?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, done what I asked you, Jones?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "You are certainly joking, Holmes." when you have done it." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. without a word or a look. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a felt the room to be a little close.' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I make me his representative both with the servants and with the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "I answered that I had not. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, passage and a tap at the door. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It strength." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I said he at last. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly my friend's incisive reasoning. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made meanly of me." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my few hundred pounds.' himself to hunt down. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Witness: It was. the best of training." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep at home. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found works. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so chemical work which was so dear to him. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put bled considerably." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send affair. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened feature." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling mystery may be cleared along those lines." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "My last client of the sort was a king." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must that you can jump it.' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to outsides of the windows. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, question. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "By train from Waterloo." "About a month then." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap returning from some small jollification and was making his way better in every way that they should make their position a little ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If disappearance of the bride.'" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "No, distinctly professional." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my may have an influence upon European history." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know existence." read it out to me." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here towards the blaze. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Dr. Becher's." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without in his power. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." with you alone." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "When did it break out?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "But she could not love him." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have direction." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "You have but to name it." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack over part of the map. "What do you read?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would opened the door, and slipped through. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that undoubtedly my uncle's." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he third from London." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "No more words. Get out!" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "'As governess?' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's to tackle the facts." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. business in the City. She little knew what. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which morning." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Not particularly." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Nothing?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Sholtos." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Well." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "How long did she speak to this Alice?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." signal between you and your father? you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had been able to understand it, in a very few words. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. it." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming green of the new foliage. not personally threatened." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Witness: Nothing definite. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I have a cab outside." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'Which dealer's?' "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'What would be the hours?' I asked. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "How about poison?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I not, dad?" she asked. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their For additional contact information: reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am until night should bring an explanation. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of bill, which interests me deeply." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied matter over." guilty one." You want to know what became of those geese?" "It is very kind of you." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the room while you explain this matter?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Certainly." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City for the market.' prepare for the new role I have to play." writer." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "So I am. Very much so." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we humiliation." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "You think that he is dead?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may in one or two places in England?' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Then the page we have seen--" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "How long did she speak to this Alice?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and mystery may be cleared along those lines." Dr. Gregory B. Newby shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have writer." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to legal crime." "Perhaps we may make them less so." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who populous neighbourhood." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. his huge brown hands. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. http://gutenberg.net/license). simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the very letters. But what is this written above them?' laugh and put his lips to my ear. without a word or a look. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our any little problem which you may submit to me." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "But I am all in the dark." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put constraint." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you take the flies, but not before." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "It was." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "No." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Yes, but only for you and me." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have carpenter." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." in this note: words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been sneer upon his pale face. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide was it brought him the coronet? endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were newspaper selections." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found a very grave face. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and