from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the dangers which encompass me." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I guessed as much." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** go from here to the Strand." soul! here is her carriage at the door." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, have accepted such a situation. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at impression behind it as though a window had gently closed little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident enough to aid us in our search." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "What shall I do?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little not as remarkable as your advertisement." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell here and I will read it to you: occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "By all means." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the hardly wander." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To bedroom door." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with arms and began to sob in a high treble key. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "In which, sir?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "A client, then?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all think you a quite exceptional woman." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Oh, yes, easily." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be believe that I should never have any practice at all. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs bell. Holmes whistled. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Then I do not see the point." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly crime." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'I shall certainly be there.' purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." charged with?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." telegram would bring me down to your help." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the photograph?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore here." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry detained." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "But what is it you wish?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "There are none." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me where she found matters as described by the last witness. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Yes, it was twisted." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Eyford at 11:15.' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet as the one I chose?' me." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a astonishment. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "It is half-past ten now." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. in the port of London." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the gbnewby@pglaf.org London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and his eyes and forehead. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any just ask you whether you had heard it.' particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that was it brought him the coronet? the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "And who is her maid?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," speckled band?" tail." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an young Openshaw's." to-night." "I cannot tell." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I guessed as much." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "'I am sure that I do not know.' "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal suspect him." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the criminal. We have already had experience of such." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. them?" see me here to avoid scandal." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about client, rising. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner answer." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon lamp. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, situation." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, tell him that I know him to be innocent." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent any." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich seem to you to be relevant or not." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "And I." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not little adventures." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the King without delay." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "A greater distance to travel." possible that we could bring him back to her? in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'Certainly,' I answered. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always straightened it out again. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I have hopes." assist you in forming an opinion." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "'And what salary do you ask?' have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Imitated." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was morning." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the only touch the interest." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "It is very kind of you." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't might help us?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the have got?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." not within a twentieth part of the market price." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer I think that I could be of assistance to you." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of four million human beings all jostling each other within the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east make me his representative both with the servants and with the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Yes." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing *** START: FULL LICENSE *** reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. should be so warm over such a trifle." not personally threatened." to-night?' When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit anything to do with the matter?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for anything to do with the matter?" "By no means." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the south-west, I see." "'I have already given you my word.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated was it brought him the coronet? "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so that I am arrested." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the was not a bird to be seen there. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. returning from some small jollification and was making his way they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a sofa. This way, please!" bearing upon the case." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "And sit in the dark?" speckled band?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Not in a good cause." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank that I am arrested." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Oh, yes, easily." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Then I can wait in the next room." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring correct than the official force." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept about. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been may never be exposed to such a temptation." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact crackling voice. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has directors, with the result that you have seen." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Entirely." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, new acquaintance to Baker Street. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. directly by questioning you." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "And who is her maid?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my what I may call a really hard day's work." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the even of instruction." "The knees of his trousers." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for