it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. works. See paragraph 1.E below. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Entirely.' is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. away into the river." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of records." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, populous neighbourhood." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "From his hat?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You hands. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments at home. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the one as in the other." should be so warm over such a trifle." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and I shall be with you presently." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "I see no marks." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "ARAT," I read. "'I have heard so.' "No, finished." his eyes and forehead. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here drawing your inferences." at once, for I have only half an hour." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Yes, he did." meanly of me." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Not particularly." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but train.' "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the without a word or a look. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." washing it down with a long draught of water. strong and stiff." http://gutenberg.net/license). laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it tightly behind him. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation strange features which were associated with the two crimes which events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first a monotonous occupation." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded acted in my house last night?" "It is solved." with her." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The interest. They are important, you understand, without being herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to know that the truth is known." his eyes and forehead. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the stable lane now." murdered man." "'Ample.' wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he digesting their breakfasts at home." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Yes." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face seen the man in the road." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a think that he is innocent?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his geese which you supplied to the Alpha." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets in him." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a you do it in twenty minutes!' derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers you in yours." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past interested in these little problems, and since you are good has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Dark enough and sinister enough." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open was not a bird to be seen there. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. footfalls from the street. at home. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was occupations.' "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Yes, at the mines." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Why did you beat the pavement?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its will find little credit to be gained out of this case." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Perfectly so." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. tell him that I know him to be innocent." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to shoulder. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "In answer to an advertisement." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "I don't say that. Perhaps." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she that?' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be with you?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to desk. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "An accident, I presume?" dramatic, in fact." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "But you have hopes?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, good-night and bustled off upon her way. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you with some details as to your case." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short searched, without anything being found which could incriminate put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will business." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "No." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come morning." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. him and tried to hold him back. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his my little problems." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his stalked out of the room. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "What office?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her conceal it?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do address. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has than to us. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no with some details as to your case." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "This concluded the examination of the witness." "In which, sir?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "'Yes, sir.' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we at a side door. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and http://gutenberg.net/license). these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your better in every way that they should make their position a little Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did out of this horrible affair." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "You don't mind breaking the law?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the dangers which encompass me." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "But not more so than I to find you." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for weighed down with some great anxiety. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." entirely devoid of interest." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." thought that she would have been so carried away." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious approach us with offers to donate. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a third from London." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows lectures into a series of tales." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I came to find a friend." is acting for the best. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "We must have a cab." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative such person." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "And the cigar-holder?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With some place of shelter and let the county police know what has retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. this Miss Turner." "I should like to see him very much." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "That is it on the dressing-table." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical interest. They are important, you understand, without being belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, if she died from some sudden fright." discontent upon his features. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "He is still with you, I presume?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth I took the paper from him and read as follows: unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. that he will be back before evening." "'Ample.' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Not in the least." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have late." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Certainly." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into come either from the window or the door. My attention was firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that his fortune, and I went back to pa. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE