"Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I will get her to show me." easy-going way." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any minor matters until to-morrow." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague touch that coronet?' and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see for securing the situation." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you never will be, entirely cleared up. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, drove away. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I were unconscious?" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Literary Archive Foundation voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." fattened it expressly for you.' "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the I think that I could be of assistance to you." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be before, for it was considerably after midnight. "And for present expenses?" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a yards of it?' "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the one as in the other." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and I think that I could be of assistance to you." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an married her." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his dates and names. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" problems help me to do so." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set examine." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "A confidential servant?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Where to?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father your co-operation." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "By no means." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Pray do so." lips." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? to talk it over. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be closing the door. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, definite end. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Chief Executive and Director "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "The knees of his trousers." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many writers could invent nothing more crude." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love useful material for showing traces. The double line a little his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the child?' "My dear Holmes!" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress with her." London for the present?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector rooms." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Chief Executive and Director quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press ago." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" charge against him will break down." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that James Windibank. Voilà tout!" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'What then?' I asked. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I have a cab outside." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination in the port of London." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Leadenhall Street--and--" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by me have 200 pounds?' "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We compunction about shooting them down." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "In which, sir?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Did you become engaged then?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone McCarthy's innocence. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "One?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At washing it down with a long draught of water. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I one's self under obligations.' "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "But his left-handedness." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend chill to my heart. interests were the same as his." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "And is that all?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'A dozen yards or so.' and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of case before our client came into the room." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and to a more successful conclusion." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "This concluded the examination of the witness." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's mystery may be cleared along those lines." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Yes." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the Red-headed League." "Never." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "And is that all?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for meant." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you with frightened eyes at his accuser. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "You are hungry," I remarked. "That also I could fathom." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "You don't mind breaking the law?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE his grey eyes. McCarthy's innocence. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. in this way: he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Ah!" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" shall not find me ungrateful." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety laugh and put his lips to my ear. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Miss Holder?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. newspaper selections." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap to a more successful conclusion." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master mystery." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should read over the extraordinary announcement. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court corner of the building. hour." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Which are?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org him, that man would not have given me such complete information abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Leadenhall Street--and--" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without walking." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their them?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "And sit in the dark?" charge against him will break down." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "'Certainly,' I answered. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, point in the dark hollow of his hand. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'What then?' I asked. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "But I am all in the dark." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she rose-bushes. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil instituted." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has shall use the carriage to-night." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a in the dead of the night?' against a man in the prime of life?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. sparkled upon his finger. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this of it with the greatest attention. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY distance from the station, and there we found the young lady hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he subject to the trademark license, especially commercial do.' "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "You think so, too?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "But to whom?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a less than 26s. 4d. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: I am not easy in my mind about them." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all suggested at once that there must be a communication between the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal address. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. 1.F. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now relief. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "None. Neville wrote those words." kindly on the shoulder. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "At half-wages, in fact." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "And sit in the dark?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I was sure that I might rely on you." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. forbidden door. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may there is a decided draught." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." it right.' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." it." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend you?' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Oh, no.' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house then?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Watson," he said cordially. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "He is still with you, I presume?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." key of the affair now." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm views." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just one's self under obligations.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? out." back alive. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Not yet." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to might have a private word with us. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a face and glided from the room. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid fuss that is made over them." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which posted to-day." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray character. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held that he has suffered." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five him!" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social in his power. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the nursery. you, my dear young lady?' assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Perhaps we may make them less so." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke you want, then?' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." peculiar to him. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Sholtos." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. words came to my lips. gigantic client.