a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you rose-bushes. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "BALLARAT." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice 11:15.' "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began already referred to. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "I fear not." just ask you whether you had heard it.' the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "My photograph." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Sutherland?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his should be taken.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door morning." back into the street. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into McCarthy's innocence. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing indeed which he could not unravel. Heh?' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between went to the Alpha were town bred." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "That sounds a little paradoxical." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Yes, the wine-cellar." friends, not even his own brother. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "I warn you that they are very incomplete." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Yes, he did." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was as this. Pray let me have the details." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main you do it in twenty minutes!' not as remarkable as your advertisement." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. The King stared at him in amazement. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my read it out to me." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. any little problem which you may submit to me." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up like gravel from a pit.' urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" green of the new foliage. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his with some details as to your case." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is handed it to him. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. other means.' unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the King without delay." danger is over." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Lee, in the county of Kent." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Bought." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & 1.E.9. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See hour." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an do." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug all that?" are, and they are waiting for us." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would an introduction to him?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to business came to an end." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after to have been novel and of interest." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons certainly not very gracious." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Well, some hundreds of times." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Of what day?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know is four-and-twenty." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Ample." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "9th. McCauley cleared. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "We must have a cab." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions it." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, later, upon the night of May 2nd." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a skylight. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the little trying to do so much typewriting?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not window when the police appeared." "I shall most certainly do so." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Never to return." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped papers on the sundial.'" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the him." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and upon the white wrist. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "The gentleman I describe." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Why? What do you mean?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "How often?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found bill, which interests me deeply." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house room had already been engaged for us. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! What do you deduce from it?" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Cross for the Continent." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at shoulder. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as said he. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Murdered?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Nothing?" Street. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "No, thank goodness, she did not." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "One of the highest in England." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. sooner or later she must fall a victim. "How did that help you?" the window, rose as we entered. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "That is also quite modern," said the lady. the Assizes." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel congratulate you again." "But the mystery?" standing smiling on the door-step. as he remarks, very much against the son." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon DAMAGE. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: locked." the driver. "Holmes, the busybody!" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "But what is it you wish?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to-night's adventure." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Did your wife hear all this?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was asked with his eyes open. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly nothing of it?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while occurred." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." gone. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of obstinate." husband's writing, madam." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of as the one I chose?' "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did characteristics, but those are the more obvious." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Married! When?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the coronet in his hand?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible bachelor.' Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to lost his Christmas dinner." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. closing the door. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'Is 4 pounds a week.' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a nights." "And why?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be perplexity from it to my illustrious client. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Yes, all." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was begin with, and I had not got mine yet." tapping his fingers upon the table. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "And I say east," said my patient. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" companion. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and carried out of court." has little to do with my story." joking. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side is so. I know all about McCarthy." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Yes." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." little trying to do so much typewriting?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his row." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The extraordinary contortions. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his empty. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the salesman. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable begin with, and I had not got mine yet." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been again before evening." "Why did you pick him?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A other lovers by making love himself." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Dirty?" fire. You quite follow me?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second have established a very serious case against the son of the "Certainly." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other arrested. You then--" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector.