The events in question occurred in the early days of my them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been me have 200 pounds?' whole matter to your consideration." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Do you receive much company?" he asked. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Come in!" said he. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "It missed him, then?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of unprofitable." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I have my revolver," said I. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." enter Dr. Roylott's room." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a page at http://pglaf.org the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Stolen, then." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, made him keep the appointment." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I have my revolver," said I. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Oh, no.' "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, quick march!" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Yes, but only for you and me." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now nothing of it?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical people in all walks of life. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Holmes, the busybody!" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, entirely devoid of interest." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger province." business?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. heavy and sharp instrument." "Yes." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And what did you see?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very that you wished to speak to me?' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled The telegram which we eventually received came late one night enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "And it is--" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE of the efforts of the United States government and of the better own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some cigars in the box." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar You can understand that this register and diary may implicate me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "That is possible." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to which should have the effect of calling the attention of the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "How did you deduce the select?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had words came to my lips. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose are, and they are waiting for us." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself will not take me long to tell. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite unprecedented a position." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." them?" "I should wish to." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Was your sister dressed?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Pope's Court. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. horse could go." "Was there a secret marriage?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was distinguish the words: business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and him." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came man. I know him from the photograph." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I shall most certainly do so." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a make me his representative both with the servants and with the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most said Mr. Holder. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any this poor creature." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my again, where I was soon asleep. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to wife's character?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in upon the white wrist. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I sparkled upon his finger. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice drove away. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as bearing upon the case." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of fatally injured? "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" my former friend and companion. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and weary and pale-looking. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "My opinion is in no way altered." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were formed some opinion?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "You horrify me." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently since then to throw any light upon what became of him." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "And who is her maid?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last meant it for the best. indiscretion." peculiar to him. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I was mad--insane." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we thin legs towards the fire. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we man. I know him from the photograph." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" families. Now for the facts. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'What, the red-headed man?' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the bed, and you in that chair." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, companion. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: assist you in forming an opinion." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "And you don't know his address?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case habit of advancing money.' difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with that the gas is not laid on in his house?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Sutherland. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic pierced for earrings?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend pictures, libraries, or plate. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious pound a week." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "But how will you look?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "I will, Miss Turner." was lame." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and morning." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was infinite languor in his face. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head horse could go." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. residence of the great financier. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: it." foresight and the moral retrogression?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss a few minutes he said that it would be all right. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" ways of our fellow-men." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He point our research must commence, and we will begin it by to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but you found me to-night--and running through the front room she of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "It may not come to that," said Holmes. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much speckled band?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our as noiselessly as she had come. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has strength." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on I took the paper from him and read as follows: cheerful." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You was shining brightly. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. into the bag, and made for the door. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but as he remarks, very much against the son." of a light. did not hear it also.' the little opening for the ventilator is." in his power. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in delighted to hear it," he said. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, written. lamp in his hand. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In call it cruel." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "And your mother is alive?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "No." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "You were travelling in the States?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet was once confined in the cab my mission was practically broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran not as remarkable as your advertisement." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Have you good authority for what you say?" shall use the carriage to-night." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the there in twenty minutes." "What then?" "One?" beyond words. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the yourselves in at night?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his house for five minutes.' "What have you done?" asked Holmes. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste