Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "But what is it you wish?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best prisoner's face. way in." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Clair, of Lee." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Game for a morning drive?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & into the bag, and made for the door. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case I shall continue with my miserable story. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to beyond words. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all It may be so in this case, also." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each thought that she would have been so carried away." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless fattened it expressly for you.' "But she could not love him." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Where, indeed?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common himself to tell his story. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most crowd. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. your bag." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other will take you up to see the machine.' remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by is," said he presently: night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I tell them apart.' "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Why did you beat the pavement?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could situation." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with upon the shelf for the interim." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to any." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he detective. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little if I call to-morrow?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me down. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not handed it to him. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for hurried away. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a annoyance, but no jest. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I was sure that I might rely on you." way in." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the of the one which your family is now devouring." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning became a certainty. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "In the cells." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady bed dies. Does not that strike you?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low examine." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I cannot say that I have." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Of what day?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "And the cigar-holder?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "I think that it is very probable." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the devil!" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Always." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "My private note-paper." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it gentleman's clothes. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody bedroom door." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant it were putty." ventilator." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "And I to find an enemy." exactly what you advise." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Your presence might be invaluable." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Look there!" said he. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I think it very unlikely." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I cannot tell." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have you came in." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "No, but the enclosure is." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him nothing of it?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same seem to you to be relevant or not." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "It goes to the housekeeper's room." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "When did it break out?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to signal between you and your father? presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that children over to America with him, so that I found myself without developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over It was close upon four before the door opened, and a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To hard-headed British jury." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which delirious. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. with you?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "In which, sir?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which were unconscious?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "So it appears." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At instincts rose up against that laugh. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just there in twenty minutes." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "If so, much may have happened between." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the running down." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly views." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet unkempt, staring out at me. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they notes," he said. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of and glanced through. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it unprecedented a position." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "My dear Holmes!" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached What do you deduce from it?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks beg that you will break it off." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." not fit the lock." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Stoke Moran?" said he. villagers almost as much as their master. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Where is it, then?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the been deceived." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and matter over." shall use the carriage to-night." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my in the hope of finding them." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "None." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'Certainly not.' follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove begin with, and I had not got mine yet." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock his cane at the bell-pull. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. imbecility!" he cried. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, that, and I came down." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And she has been waylaid. There has been no result." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "I have come for advice." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most here and I will read it to you: have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the general public were present, then?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite make me his representative both with the servants and with the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'Certainly not. But why?' bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. ago." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly as yours." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I presume?" think that he is innocent?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was you?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' heavily into it. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, copied or distributed: come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill to a more successful conclusion." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which which our visitor detailed to us. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at questionable one." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which place no limit on the sum I may draw." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "At the wedding breakfast." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried business." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." think, you have already met." down. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all so.' he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the carried out of court." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like nights." money should be paid at once.' "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven least a most suspicious remark." it were putty." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity DAMAGE. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. for securing the situation." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "And the cigar-holder?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a strode off upon his way. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "What have you done?" asked Holmes. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that breakfast?" or in danger--" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "And now?" I asked. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had McCarthy." "Pray do so." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'And the work?' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. populous neighbourhood." opened the door, and slipped through. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that without success. At last the little money which I had saved began