incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his and glanced through. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this off." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "One of the highest in England." as he remarks, very much against the son." may have an influence upon European history." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium detained." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I don't say that. Perhaps." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment rat could hardly pass through." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "But we can't all be." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers heavily into it. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can suggested at once that there must be a communication between the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed him to go away.' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "What!" he roared. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in and I shall be with you presently." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I never have." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Where to?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads train from Paddington which would bring you there at about police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I father's young wife. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "No, finished." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." door?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and is so. I know all about McCarthy." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. hurried away. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the Red-headed League." good-night and bustled off upon her way. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through into the room. his face. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "And when will you call?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down room had already been engaged for us. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a looking up at the numbers of the houses." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Lee, in the county of Kent." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "But of what society?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the roots. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." and the colonel ushered me in. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt to me. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. matter." "My private note-paper." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was vanished into the darkness. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "But of what society?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Yes, sir." "Then the page we have seen--" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Then I do not see the point." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common is worth.' among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "An accident, I presume?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to his chemical studies. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Holmes' face clouded over. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making joking. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. place of silver." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in residence of the great financier. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the question. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "'About the same.' unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. You want to know what became of those geese?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat feature." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud neither fascinating nor artistic." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered despaired of." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my how narrow had been my escape. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that through." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I am armed." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I have solved it." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "One of the highest in England." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "How can you tell that?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Yes." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged locked." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting hand, madam?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have until night should bring an explanation. into the bag, and made for the door. address. question," said Holmes, smiling. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the photograph a cabinet?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "No, I think that I'll take it." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest arrested. You then--" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So of the vacancies.' to go into your room and bar your shutters?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of and wait." purpose equally well?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "If so, much may have happened between." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it to change my dress. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a might help us?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but learned something! Where are the gems?" "I do." distinguish the words: been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, feature." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told to-night?" I asked. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before not personally threatened." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Yes, sir." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the you." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Nearly eleven." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part deduce something from that?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and call you and give you the chance." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Where does the thing come from?' *** START: FULL LICENSE *** it." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, fresh and glossy." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "What office?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the address that was given us in the advertisement. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the of receipt of the work. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried important." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and at my remark. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "And I say east," said my patient. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Why serious?" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a colonel looking down at me. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. you do it in twenty minutes!' in the dead of the night?' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Nothing." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "But how did you gain them?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw opened the door, and slipped through. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he shall not find me ungrateful." in the port of London." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready was once confined in the cab my mission was practically to some other building. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the one of them." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its you." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his in the hope of finding them." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard breakfast?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life has little to do with my story." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Really! You surprise me." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow your bag." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The not interfere, come what may. You understand?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "An enemy?"