that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the Red-headed League." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." my secret was safe in his possession. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Yes, sir." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the constraint." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." should be so warm over such a trifle." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence quickly through a disagreeable task. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Was she in good spirits?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I cannot tell." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have if she died from some sudden fright." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client was already answered. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I daring than any effort of the imagination." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to them?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as prove to be little relation between the different incidents of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Won't it ring?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole fish-monger and a tide-waiter." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us front of the hall door has given its name to the place. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "It was an hour's good drive." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "But it has twice been burgled." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an the iron safe, which he closed upon it. said he. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. points to suicide?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have License. You must require such a user to return or hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself miles off. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As present." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. murdered man." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom washing it down with a long draught of water. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Serpentine Avenue. "Only as much as we can deduce." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Then I am your man." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "What then?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "What are they?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "She told me to ask you." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will know all about it," he snarled. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "No, but the enclosure is." and the colonel ushered me in. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without will take you up to see the machine.' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "I guessed as much." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take window when the police appeared." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made redistribution. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "None." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third he died? utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small most important business. It is probable that he will be away all will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to out." "'Oh, no.' it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "And help." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE of it with the greatest attention. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "'Yes, it was gone.' the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "'About the same.' "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would showing my impatience. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." figure." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'And what salary do you ask?' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," formed some opinion?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with me. You must get home instantly and act." ways of our fellow-men." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the breakfast?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your lectures into a series of tales." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his you, my dear young lady?' "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was towards the blaze. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged residence of the great financier. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink money should be paid at once.' the tragedy. "The murder was done with it." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the station." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having one else, I think." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door something of him before." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "No good news?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I business matters.' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of presume?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. success. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "But you have hopes?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had have got?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Was he the only applicant?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at little adventures." the inquest, and which are worth considering." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. him." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a gentleman's clothes. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Where is it, then?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she fattened it expressly for you.' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "The vanishing of the lady." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'And the work?' such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City astonishment. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room cause to be." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Did you become engaged then?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a bird of prey. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all vague figure huddled up in the darkness. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to any." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be to miss it." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the running down." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "'There is a drive, then?' the inquest, and which are worth considering." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. chambers. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the devil!" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and glanced through. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with with you alone." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. clang of the bell. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps outside. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "And you thought he was pulled back?" next day. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may did not hear it also.' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "I am about to be married." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might learned something! Where are the gems?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the own family. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in are, I think, all that we need." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "I say it is." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for asked. you." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client even so self-evident a thing as that." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "'Quite sure, dad.' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the inner apartment." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet said he, "my real name is James Ryder." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our For additional contact information: the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened himself in a perplexing position. read over the extraordinary announcement. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me License. You must require such a user to return or Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, over here." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered affair. fasten all the windows?" leaning back in his chair. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed chair. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose front of the hall door has given its name to the place. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for matter over." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked you." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side whatever might befall. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "His face fell immediately. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Street. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself distinguish the words: "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Sutherland?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were desk. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to tell them apart.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, maiden herself was most instructive." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the voice, changing her seat as requested. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in