with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to-morrow." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these British peeress.'" "It is a murder, then?" "You think so, too?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a three fields round his house, and there he would take his dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which to you." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Is he quiet?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her danger is over." "It was." ready to-morrow?' stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds sofa. This way, please!" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Quite so. She has her freedom." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. newspaper selections." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Not particularly." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that there were one or two details which were new to me. But the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "What have you to say now?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the excitement. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot to change my dress. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the was a loud and authoritative tap. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would a suggestive one." "I have solved it." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "You have but to name it." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a strength of mind to control. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "No." trying to your nerves." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back chance at all." felt?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "And how did you verify them?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly his huge brown hands. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Mary, has deserted me." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Not in a good cause." "Certainly." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself your sleep?' to-night." an introduction to him?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in tell me that you intended to go into harness." "He said that you could solve anything." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "So I have heard." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "No, finished." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Where, then, is my wife?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "That was it, sir." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I am armed." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and the church but not where the lady lived." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Imitated." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a death." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them asked. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." who was a member of your goose club." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent way in everything. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "I see no marks." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "I saw her in conversation with her maid." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. forbidden door. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no some mystery and the punishment of some crime." window when the police appeared." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other is now desirous of getting those letters back." "And how did you find out?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "He is still with you, I presume?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the have not had my rubber." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so away into the river." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the window, rose as we entered. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this you in your example." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you For additional contact information: of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my them, and came down just as you departed. "In the cells." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "No." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "The knees of his trousers." entirely devoid of interest." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'About the same.' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and McCarthy." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our within hail.' have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A keep the flames under. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Yes." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such again, where I was soon asleep. excitement. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you married her." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. lectures into a series of tales." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Did he not advertise?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "No." business at Coburg Square is serious." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Then I shall certainly come." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We chance." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an she has been waylaid. There has been no result." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the south-west, I see." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Nothing?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Never to return." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I should be immensely obliged to you." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the window, rose as we entered. served to weaken the effect. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my front of me. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "How are you getting on?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice away into the river." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim in this note: determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no detained." "I should wish to." directly by questioning you." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large experiences." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold it means?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in to you." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other into the bag, and made for the door. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate front of me. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than furiously. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Not particularly." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home note?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." sake, don't!" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose empty. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "That sounds a little paradoxical." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than ashen face. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more matter over." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official chance." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Murdered?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." walking." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to father's place of business?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed and laid it on the table. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon colour had been driven from his face. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I out." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. I nodded to show that I had heard. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the loss of it. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." the night.' giving me time to thank him. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will crime." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here both be extremely obliged.' "I fear not." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "And the cigar-holder?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll not fit the lock." "The King of Scandinavia." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. developed." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the friends, not even his own brother. II. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened detained." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "None." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Where, indeed?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me remarked. "Nothing." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. felt the room to be a little close.' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his some mystery and the punishment of some crime." be.' "Certainly." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "And for present expenses?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled that, and I came down." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Who was the criminal, then?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to this remarkable episode. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "What have you done?" asked Holmes. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "To an English lawyer named Norton." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Edgeware Road. telegram would bring me down to your help." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "I have my revolver," said I. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "VIOLET HUNTER." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "You did not overhear what they said?" bird of prey. weapon." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon ways including including checks, online payments and credit card run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Then what has happened to him?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner there has been an enclosure here!" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said are, and they are waiting for us." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "He is dead," cried several voices. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my