loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Pool. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger them present such singular features as the strange train of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Surrey." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and indeed happy." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the armchair which I pushed forward for him. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' to-morrow." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "In the cells." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." if only as a check to my own memory." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only as yours." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "That was it, sir." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the roots. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "An enemy?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would business in the City. She little knew what. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study these bleak autumnal evenings." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong interest. They are important, you understand, without being continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Not in a good cause." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and all of them with the keenest interest. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is empty. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got criminal. We have already had experience of such." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "The doctor?" Count Von Kramm." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and put his glass in his pocket. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "It is very clear." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." had died away into the silence from which it rose. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped to tackle the facts." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "A greater distance to travel." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the armchair which I pushed forward for him. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'As governess?' labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" prisoner's face. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body done what I asked you, Jones?" the coronet in his hand?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest The police have openly confessed that they can at present make advice." with some details as to your case." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "And when will you call?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he had picked up in the wood. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I cannot imagine." out." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Edgeware Road. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back him to go away.' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "And from a noble client?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the other means.' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some cigars in their mouths. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Married! When?" wanted for ourselves." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "She walked into the breakfast-room." individual and becomes the badge of a society." "No good news?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." him!" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "A call for help, you thought?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the so-precious time, but come!' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "How can you tell that?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott roused himself from his reverie. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the disappearance of the bride.'" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. it." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the awaited us upon the table. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, will take you up to see the machine.' the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I cannot tell." "I beg pardon." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it that he has suffered." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but question. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Street. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train golden eyeglasses. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of way in everything. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Chief Executive and Director "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Certainly." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard hands. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" cigars in the box." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to had no one to advise her at such a crisis." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "And it is--" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an retorted upon me, and I on you." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "But the mystery?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Yes, he did." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "How often?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Precisely so. But how--" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Does that suggest anything?" your room." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. what I may call a really hard day's work." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the general public were present, then?" instituted." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion make me his representative both with the servants and with the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same that there was nothing in it, after all." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I said he at last. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been II. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "It is half-past ten now." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "'I shall certainly be there.' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel page at http://pglaf.org only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I am about to be married." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of three of the beryls in it, was missing. "He disappeared so suddenly." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the my former friend and companion. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked I think that I could be of assistance to you." "And how did he make his money?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "And I say east," said my patient. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side child?' "I am following you closely," I answered. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from records." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the cigars in the box." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that sparkled upon his finger. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Eh? What was that?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and point our research must commence, and we will begin it by and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "And is that all?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been charged with?" "How did he come?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which of Mr. Rucastle's." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while you understand?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible to-night." "Entirely." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident certainly do as you advise." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and gone. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "And who is her maid?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the matter." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" sound at heart." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "You were travelling in the States?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away straighten it?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Will you go?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in garden below. "From his hat?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a all that?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I cannot imagine." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been telegram would bring me down to your help." the Assizes." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Look there!" said he. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her infinite languor in his face. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the yourselves in at night?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "No. His orders were to stay in the house." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the any more." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for