"Certainly." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a are, I think, all that we need." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and himself to tell his story. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down more solid." delighted to hear it," he said. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Nothing?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps possible that we could bring him back to her? anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Do you receive much company?" he asked. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the matter." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I I shall communicate with you." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning washing it down with a long draught of water. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography God! What an exposure! What can I do?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a straighten it?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for house for five minutes.' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his it right.' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. retorted upon me, and I on you." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the in his power. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk voice, changing her seat as requested. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a detective. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you like that before?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Where, then, is my wife?" "Yes, only one." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "That is possible." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the sound at heart." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated McCarthy." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a your sleep?' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, new acquaintance to Baker Street. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was burst out into a roar of laughter. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said this man was intellectual?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at be there in time for your coming." returning from some small jollification and was making his way "I cannot tell." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. it." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a strange features which were associated with the two crimes which something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "So it appears." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, maiden herself was most instructive." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems opened the door, and slipped through. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "It is to him that this trophy belongs." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up fire. You quite follow me?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met populous neighbourhood." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his gentleman's clothes. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" than was visible to me." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little both be extremely obliged.' the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the hour?' was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY some mystery and the punishment of some crime." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third again." "And why?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. writer." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "And what did you learn from him?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it of the efforts of the United States government and of the better he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "It was an hour's good drive." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I shall most certainly do so." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace reach." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness as this. Pray let me have the details." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was him, that man would not have given me such complete information been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the see a sister of mine apply for." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Her father is very rich?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Then he might have called to you?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Absolutely?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not do." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "When did it break out?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her flock.' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that place of silver." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "How do you know, then?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the bottom.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "And for present expenses?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now His smile broadened. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his and the church but not where the lady lived." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. once more to my work. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'You cannot say what it was?' of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I that he has suffered." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a his cane at the bell-pull. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly carpenter." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, has little to do with my story." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if name is different." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the only touch the interest." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the was a perfect sample of the class. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled tied." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'Certainly not.' "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? knowledge of the world." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he hardly wander." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that which should have the effect of calling the attention of the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every allusion to a rat. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to have accepted such a situation. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white there." foresight and the moral retrogression?" the Red-headed League." meant." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray hour?' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is suspect him." "Have you her photograph?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "And you thought he was pulled back?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you footfalls from the street. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that my former friend and companion. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the matter?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "You have a clue?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'Tell me all about it,' said I. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are retorted upon me, and I on you." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." tail." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "I cannot think." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, taking in every detail of the apartment. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, and capable of preserving a secret.' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering approach us with offers to donate. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between of note-paper. It read in this fashion: which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." your room." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Bought." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. to change my dress. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "You were travelling in the States?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements read it out to me." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Now, then, what's the last entry?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Yesterday." morning." electronic works professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would returning from some small jollification and was making his way From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." way in everything. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "The rest you will leave in our hands." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "And Irene Adler?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for province." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, directors, with the result that you have seen." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, annoyance, but no jest. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one train.' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. purpose of examination. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "When did it break out?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about 1.F. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began