was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture and no precautions can guard against." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, him nearly every evening." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "But you were on a friendly footing?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "My dear Holmes!" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if that he will be back before evening." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Why? What do you mean?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I know where it is." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place think that he is innocent?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. room had already been engaged for us. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Did he not advertise?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Yes?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "No. What a strange idea!" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. into the room. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, tell me that you intended to go into harness." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do wanted for ourselves." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Stoke Moran." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about interest. They are important, you understand, without being stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I assure you that I am in your hands." me have 200 pounds?' feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and answered with a sidelong glance. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and delirious. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the best of training." "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, him nearly every evening." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is that he has suffered." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "None." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Street. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, fled together." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "He is dead," cried several voices. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "The doctor?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my there in twenty minutes." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "You think that he is dead?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Yes, he did." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the of this gang." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he that, and I came down." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. arrested. You then--" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Were they all fastened this morning?" outside. constraint." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Why serious?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Ah!" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from was not a bird to be seen there. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you McCarthy." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." amused." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the happened." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Very much so." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Then, how do you know?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "You have a clue?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "The best possible." in the dead of the night?' Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my point in the dark hollow of his hand. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Stoke Moran." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert your room." stammered. mysterious end." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked and the church but not where the lady lived." "What! Had he lost his wife?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Sholtos." "How can you tell that?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "An enemy?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. McCarthy." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to at home. giving me time to thank him. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching to have that photograph." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "What, then?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up indeed happy." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you tear off another piece?' was a loud and authoritative tap. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "'Yes, I promise.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the guilty parties." horse could go." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Yes?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I am about to be married." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Really! You surprise me." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what which are rolled in Rotterdam." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call bears upon the case?" "And what then?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be kindly on the shoulder. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off DISSOLVED. to surprise her." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is it." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in constraint." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, down. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ touch that coronet?' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was mystery!" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years voice, changing her seat as requested. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as down. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned business." investigation." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove she to prove their authenticity?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "She will not sell." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "'Then let me do so?' "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before strong reason behind." had a long day." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I will not look." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Have you it here?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her she might be summoned. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "What can you not understand?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "No bad?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Never to return." for securing the situation." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked touch that coronet?' instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my if she died from some sudden fright." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, words came to my lips. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person she might be summoned. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. definite end. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. quickly through a disagreeable task. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "And I say east," said my patient. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as had formerly been in part my own. legal crime." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could the running down." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." and all of them with the keenest interest. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. in a very precise fashion." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had meanly of me." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I companion imperturbably. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, that I am arrested." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, examine." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." upon the white wrist. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and gigantic client. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "It is true that I have been generally successful." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and