order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress then?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Lee, in the county of Kent." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes It was close upon four before the door opened, and a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I have solved it." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the little opening for the ventilator is." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "You have but to name it." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Oh, fresh and glossy." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet is four-and-twenty." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Did your wife hear all this?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from me have 200 pounds?' weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "And I say east," said my patient. asked with his eyes open. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'And what are they worth?' I asked. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in next day. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the of this gang." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "But she could not love him." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured held up the lantern and gazed about him. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "No, my brougham is waiting." sofa. This way, please!" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "No bad?" said he. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from nonsense.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the deduce something from that?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." cost them two and thirty pounds." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of danger is over." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, http://www.gutenberg.net "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is a monotonous occupation." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and to-morrow." "Proceed, then." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some I leave." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and criminal. We have already had experience of such." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" someone who had been in Australia." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For lamp in his hand. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to good for you to do.' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" way in." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the gigantic client. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his fashion which was peculiar to him. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "So I am. Very much so." "It is true that I have been generally successful." them?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may spare." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Imitated." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom that you wished to speak to me?' "Yes, sir." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "And help." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might This is what he says: waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. attention." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. stepfather?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a felt the room to be a little close.' photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I drove away. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and effective." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am strode off upon his way. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Heh?' "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how locked. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the heavily into it. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "I cannot imagine." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." and glanced through. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to said he. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, bill, which interests me deeply." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. your only hope of safety." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the occurred." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's them?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your purpose of examination. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Street. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing depend upon your compliance." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Street. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." is now desirous of getting those letters back." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such and capable of preserving a secret.' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I joking. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the without a word or a look. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I most interesting one." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in I leave." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held it were putty." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Just look it up, then." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was very morning of my second wedding." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal feature." corner of the building. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you matters immensely." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the I leave." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as acquaintance?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and your relations to her." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You when you have done it." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges call for it in person on Monday morning.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "My Mary? Impossible!" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources any." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "How many? I don't know." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "How are you getting on?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, that there was nothing in it, after all." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the station." "Was the window open?" very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, said he. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during hurried by. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I a room. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Ha! you find it so?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "My dear Holmes!" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in disappearance of these gems?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "It's nothing of the kind." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "The landlord of the Alpha." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do discontent upon his features. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." humiliation." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the to his chemical studies. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had morning." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Ah, but I was recommended to you." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep a good hundred miles off by now." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Is he quiet?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her article?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "That is possible." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I conclusions. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no if I call to-morrow?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project seen the man in the road." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your ordinary clothes on?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the learned something! Where are the gems?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it in this note: "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the dangers which encompass me." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "And what then?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat been with you?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to himself to tell his story. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "What do you mean?" writer." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the running down." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I am still in the dark." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Yes, that is the Crown." Doctor, of the paper and the date." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic photograph?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty could not account in any way for the presence of the missing morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads his huge brown hands. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to off." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "And why?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of for the market.' story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Your presence might be invaluable." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious indiscretion." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark,