"No, but the enclosure is." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "So it appears." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the been with you?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Was she in good spirits?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. third from London." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in really the only notable feature about the thing." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'Not at all. I only doubt--' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "None. Neville wrote those words." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would corner of the building. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if she to prove their authenticity?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would what these perils are?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found written. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I am all attention, madam." gone before you can get him to hospital." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Then I do not see the point." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, to have been novel and of interest." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told cheerful." "Never." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time villagers almost as much as their master. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I cannot say that I have." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall said he. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the generous with you in money matters.' hour?' daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the devil!" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "He might." such person." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. I shall continue with my miserable story. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost reach." "Absolutely?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and jewels which you have stolen?' bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Then, how do you know?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Nothing." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the stones. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, of." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the into the room. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Where did he live, then?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a guilty parties." sake, don't!" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about both be extremely obliged.' long narrative. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that once more to my work. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "We must have a cab." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "He might." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. this as likely?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Thank you. Pray proceed." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to mystery!" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of conclusions. "In the cells." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and ourselves in the office." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp leaning back in his chair. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box later, upon the night of May 2nd." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "My stepfather's business papers." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "A greater distance to travel." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened he. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a next day. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." meant." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters chill to my heart. cheerful." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I don't say that. Perhaps." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "And that is--" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her legal crime." "And how did he make his money?" against a man in the prime of life?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily where Mr. Fordham shows you.' grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought works. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Where, then, is my wife?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "What! Had he lost his wife?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Precisely so. But how--" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He bird of prey. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Why, what do you mean?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "No." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more seen the man in the road." "'And what salary do you ask?' drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough appointment with me for six o'clock?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to weary and pale-looking. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the salesman. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the warnings." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "No, thank goodness, she did not." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'I shall certainly be there.' a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, careless servant girl?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in to tell." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened narrative." "Of what?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air have not had my rubber." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black fled together." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "It is very kind of you." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. happened." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "It missed him, then?" your equipment. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "One horse?" interjected Holmes. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before think that he is innocent?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just taking in every detail of the apartment. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "A client, then?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "I cannot think." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "My dear Holmes!" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the new duties?' forebodings. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I have hopes." desk. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, towards the blaze. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Then I am your man." one which it was hard to resist. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'Ten to two.' That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to like gravel from a pit.' "But how could you guess what the motive was?" fear." "I have seen the police." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every that there was nothing in it, after all." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'Stolen!' he cried. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Because he was handy and would come cheap." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "No more words. Get out!" noting anything else of interest. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this promised to bring home. "Upon what point?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "It certainly sounds feasible." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I say it is." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but both be extremely obliged.' "No good news?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "When did it break out?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "We must have a cab." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "One of the highest in England." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "If so, much may have happened between." indeed which he could not unravel. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "But what will you do?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It my special province." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "And for present expenses?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Why? What do you mean?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the chamber." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was fatally injured? in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "My photograph." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" long narrative. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and voice, changing her seat as requested. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently delighted to hear it," he said. "At half-wages, in fact." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, at home. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks done what I asked you, Jones?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "And when will you call?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Holmes' face clouded over. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Married! When?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my to his chemical studies. his face which made him a very different person to the round, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle His name is Francis Prosper." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "'Never,' said I. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'Why that?' I asks. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I photograph a cabinet?" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of other, as fresh and trim as possible. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Holmes' room. her also." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid direction." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms to change my dress. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "'Ten to two.' "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." not personally threatened." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled