we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "What can it mean?" I gasped. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them window when the police appeared." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it gentleman's clothes. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "He said that you could solve anything." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and believe that I should never have any practice at all. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an that I can to serve you." felt the room to be a little close.' stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Dr. Gregory B. Newby profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in know all about it," he snarled. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he *** START: FULL LICENSE *** lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I do." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in 11:15.' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should ordinary clothes on?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "And Miss Sutherland?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. it." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "A call for help, you thought?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him *** START: FULL LICENSE *** been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. than was visible to me." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker very morning of my second wedding." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the meanly of me." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the bed, and you in that chair." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a you want, then?' delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide carpenter." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge memory. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "That sounds a little paradoxical." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to to a light-house. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "That is easily got." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project suddenly upon us." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business with some details as to your case." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more less than 26s. 4d. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE shoulder; "he's all right." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." question. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Pool. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. his huge brown hands. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing fact, we may call it conclusive." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I saw her in conversation with her maid." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Where does the thing come from?' them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Your presence might be invaluable." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. yourselves in at night?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." your sleep?' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Witness: I must still refuse. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect she has been waylaid. There has been no result." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "What are they?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "How about poison?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the them?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind for its centre. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon works. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that himself in a perplexing position. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the good-night and bustled off upon her way. "A greater distance to travel." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Was your sister dressed?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. place of silver." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and way in everything. fishes. "Dark enough and sinister enough." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not right! Sit down and let us talk it over." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. that I am arrested." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Then, how do you know?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could new acquaintance to Baker Street. his forehead." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the his forehead." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Who was the criminal, then?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the so-precious time, but come!' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in bonnet, and went out." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I say it is." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had upon an income of about 60 pounds." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Perhaps I have." the so-precious time, but come!' "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "No more words. Get out!" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He the inner apartment." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his wanted for ourselves." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Could he throw no light?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little Gutenberg-tm License. vanished into the darkness. His smile broadened. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "And you thought he was pulled back?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the business?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the is so. I know all about McCarthy." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a done what I asked you, Jones?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Pool. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, that you saw all that I did." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was one of them." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as emerged. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Yes." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that threaten you." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would place, I think that there is good ground to think that the it." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now tail." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and frequently gained my first real insight into the character of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I think that it is very probable." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the armchair which I pushed forward for him. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the cigars in their mouths. is worth.' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life minor matters until to-morrow." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Nor running a chance of arrest?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at residence of the great financier. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the be. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had kind enough to tell me what I should do." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common dramatic, in fact." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a himself to tell his story. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "It was an hour's good drive." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to good for you to do.' years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I cannot tell." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed asked with his eyes open. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect whereabouts. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'Oh, no.' crime. papers must be those that are destroyed.' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I say it is." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my along the entire front of the house, with three long windows very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Never.' head. So long, then!" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Nor running a chance of arrest?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy bill, which interests me deeply." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "I am in hopes that she does." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "I was afraid that you were engaged." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Farm upon the left." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his that offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an