London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand was already answered. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "You have but to name it." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to answer." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Your sister is dead, then?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do such person." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. any little problem which you may submit to me." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with depend upon my doing so.' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and this Miss Turner." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever call it cruel." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I promise," said Holmes. "Then he might have called to you?" you in your example." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when everything which you would wish to know." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one round and wave him away like that.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an in the dead of the night?' which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, what these perils are?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Here?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is direction." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still face and glided from the room. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "But how did you gain them?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. words came to my lips. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and from the brougham. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to unprofitable." out." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I second." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'Certainly,' I answered. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "BALLARAT." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, be. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "I will not look." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. forehead. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I should like to see him very much." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next is a common subject for conversation. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Which are?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "You are certainly joking, Holmes." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "He is dead," cried several voices. him. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. front of me. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been derbies." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "None." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would whatever might befall. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I don't believe it." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "But to whom?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By of your young ladies.' face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." beyond words. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the to take care of herself." with some details as to your case." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take your billet.' "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "It surprised me." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Murdered?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty bearing upon the case." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a not come at once?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Perfectly so." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you at my remark. "No, I am descending." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Yes, it was twisted." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself garden below. she to prove their authenticity?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "We must have a cab." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the in darkness. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local important." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did think, you have already met." him. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced and prosperity to your house. Good-night." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "What! You do not mean bodies?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the station." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a you for a few hours?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I and inquire as to the address." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "And how have you succeeded?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Did you observe the colour?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Not I." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for past. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. written. ago." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say it were putty." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to all?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Lee, in the county of Kent." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at some water from a caraffe. "That is unusual in a young girl." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he enter into my head. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is carried out of court." this Miss Turner." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Did you observe the colour?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both companion. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I woven round him. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part fatally injured? "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "I think it very unlikely." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "But he might be a bachelor." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past it. again on its way. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not very peculiar words of the dying woman?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" started for the Temple to see my husband. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. was keenly on my guard against him. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the intrusion of other matters." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." 1.F. cost them two and thirty pounds." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest habit of advancing money.' man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out families. Now for the facts. License. You must require such a user to return or "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." acquaintance?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." room. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Indeed! Whose, then?" breakfast." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Only as much as we can deduce." my room." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "9th. McCauley cleared. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Sutherland. never to learn it at all." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are during which he might have communicated with his friend the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is in him." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are to have that photograph." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have and looked back. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This that I am arrested." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "When did it break out?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a bird I ate is country bred." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Yes, only one." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Who by?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case said I. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an pierced for earrings?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our but preventing her from injuring another. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the from the brougham. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the least a most suspicious remark." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the occupations.'