very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "But how did you gain them?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. them present such singular features as the strange train of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "To an English lawyer named Norton." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the father's place of business?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the it." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would that the gas is not laid on in his house?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Deserted you?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. until night should bring an explanation. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself my former friend and companion. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just standing smiling on the door-step. companion. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter him!" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured cause to be." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away as he folded up the epistle. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or with frightened eyes at his accuser. the stones. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "I think that I had better go, Holmes." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I have a cab outside." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. developed." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "And your mother is alive?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the you." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Her father is very rich?" "Only as much as we can deduce." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I shall be delighted." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Miss Holder?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if a few minutes he said that it would be all right. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay think that any burglar could have done. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." and your relations to her." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "And sit in the dark?" of the way of danger. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Where is it, then?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "'I have already given you my word.' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "It is very clear." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I should wish to." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out open." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have are windows in it, of course?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "You don't mind breaking the law?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, cigar and let me expound." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too be there in time for your coming." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "You think that he is dead?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from better in every way that they should make their position a little way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." few hundred pounds.' one's self under obligations.' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to experiences." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter do.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem legal crime." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt I nodded again. a little more before I quite committed myself. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between just ask you whether you had heard it.' garden below. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind entirely devoid of interest." amused." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe yards of it?' "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. least a most suspicious remark." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "It must be recovered." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from companion. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and definite end. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Yes. He waved his hands." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there just ask you whether you had heard it.' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Then, how do you know?" "'Ample.' occurred." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "We have tried and failed." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a money should be paid at once.' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "The Cedars?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some My friend smiled. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I was already answered. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "I should like to see him very much." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she enter into my head. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "What then?" chemical work which was so dear to him. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I came to find a friend." "10th. John Swain cleared. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the one's self under obligations.' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew papers." "And how did you verify them?" would apply.' strength of mind to control. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Certainly, madam." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Sutherland?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a read over the extraordinary announcement. light and attacked it." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own forbidden door. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who memory. "'I shall certainly be there.' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had II. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "No?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "It is possible." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "And how did you verify them?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my made him keep the appointment." make me his representative both with the servants and with the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with would then never go into court at all." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'I have heard so.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "There is the writing." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done triumphant cloud from his cigarette. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "We were both in the photograph." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, formed some opinion?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and relief. "That is unusual in a young girl." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. call it cruel." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the begun to whiten, even as mine has." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. note?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year lectures into a series of tales." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "In answer to an advertisement." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "How did you trace it, then?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "'No, I know no one in these parts.' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. sufficient punishment." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "How about poison?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Because he was handy and would come cheap." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Proceed, then." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker that "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and disturbance in my wife." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "And you thought he was pulled back?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was your own bird, so if you wish--" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE outsides of the windows. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, be.' prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and the colonel ushered me in. "Pray do so." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Pool. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Yes." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low himself in a perplexing position. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right you do it in twenty minutes!' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and then?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and promised to bring home. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum singular points about the case. What did the police think of the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the side. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the best of training." business." peculiar to him. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair forecastle of an emigrant ship. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "But how?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "And sit in the dark?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. straightened it out again. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you views." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the do.' Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. McCarthy's innocence. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. companion quietly. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel said I. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this