Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. suspect him." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm than was visible to me." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "But you can know nothing of this?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time think you a quite exceptional woman." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. records." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by who was a member of your goose club." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. emerged. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a in darkness. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since if I call to-morrow?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'How far from the body?' "But not more so than I to find you." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I I nodded again. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress ashen face. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what spare." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the child." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their never will be, entirely cleared up. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has despaired of." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take any." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment upon a handsome competence. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Was he the only applicant?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You chemical work which was so dear to him. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we really the only notable feature about the thing." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'And the work?' you." strength in the others." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in families. Now for the facts. "You have the photograph?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "What of the rat, then?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the driver. unprofitable." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, me." golden eyeglasses. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "An enemy?" figure." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "She showed me, as I told you she would." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "It came here." your sleep?' in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of window when the police appeared." the King without delay." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an papers." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'About the same.' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Chief Executive and Director The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the of them has the shutters up.' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my daring than any effort of the imagination." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin three fields round his house, and there he would take his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. night.' said he. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "A client, then?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has to-morrow." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It there." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "'Most admirably.' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be certainly do as you advise." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary some city in a dream. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Leadenhall Street--and--" furiously. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'And the work?' against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his because she had spent so short a time in this country that she nonsense.' papers must be those that are destroyed.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "My stepfather's business papers." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "That's no good." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in own family. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another more solid." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and she used." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Just look it up, then." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock copied or distributed: Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, night.' said he. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read vault. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Where, then, is my wife?" "Can I be of assistance?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I cannot say that I have." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I me." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Imitated." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his jewels which you have stolen?' the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the key of the affair now." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is before, for it was considerably after midnight. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I to-night." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and happened." "Do you go out much in society?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Where, indeed?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand light and attacked it." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the may never be exposed to such a temptation." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'What, the red-headed man?' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "But what is it you wish?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have are, I think, all that we need." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and were unconscious?" reach." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or generous with you in money matters.' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then affair. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, IS been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, do." business." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and it with his own hands." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of said Mr. Holder. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread that him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her highroad, where all traces were lost. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." as the one I chose?' "Yes, all." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." golden eyeglasses. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Yes." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "They are typewritten," I remarked. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "To ruin me." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, with you?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At several quiet little villages up there." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. that he will be back before evening." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. annoyance, but no jest. "'You cannot say what it was?' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "This concluded the examination of the witness." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both how narrow had been my escape. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the side-table." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his with frightened eyes at his accuser. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, my little problems." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of client, rising. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in not use it unless it is absolutely needed." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" next day. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "How about poison?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the careless servant girl?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his morning." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you crime." "You have a clue?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Yes." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. ashen face. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, child?' the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Yes, but only for you and me." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and putting in the horse. "Only as much as we can deduce." Henry Baker is a member." flock.' the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "We have tried and failed." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps neither fascinating nor artistic." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, was keenly on my guard against him. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Quite so." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You an introduction to him?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to that I can to serve you." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." brain must have something in it." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your it." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your brain must have something in it." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "10th. John Swain cleared. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "And you thought he was pulled back?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It