she used." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Dirty?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the States. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted could go. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who me where it went to?" just called myself is not exactly my own." is acting for the best. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon of fine shops and stately business premises that they really certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the address that was given us in the advertisement. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in detective. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and grasp, he hurried from the room. had formerly been in part my own. "But not more so than I to find you." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "What do you make of that, Watson?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of States. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the strong and stiff." is four-and-twenty." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little have established a very serious case against the son of the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "About a month then." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from which it had come upon my father." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon quite distinctive." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running generous with you in money matters.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Have you it here?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "No, I had a dozen." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Dr. Becher's." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with hurried away. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman gone before you can get him to hospital." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to coat-tails." "No, I had a dozen." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "And now?" He raised his hand. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The that I can to serve you." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Sutherland?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this washing it down with a long draught of water. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Yes, he did." "Do you go out much in society?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a instituted." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven yards of it?' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It do." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "But what will you do?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'Certainly not.' my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "But how?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "No, thank goodness, she did not." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "And I." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not begun to whiten, even as mine has." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "One?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving heavy and sharp instrument." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "That is it on the dressing-table." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life little adventures." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'Is purely nominal.' drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Foundation "How often?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which into her hand at the door and which lured her within their A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You most interesting one." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. them?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish served to weaken the effect. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes husband's writing, madam." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Henry Baker is a member." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place excitement. even so self-evident a thing as that." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "No, distinctly professional." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence interests were the same as his." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I one or two very singular points about this room. For example, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, tail." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on absorbing." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had business in the City. She little knew what. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my you found me to-night--and running through the front room she either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the loss of it. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Yes." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he him to be an active member of the medical profession." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "You are certainly joking, Holmes." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his voice, changing her seat as requested. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the general public were present, then?" future lives." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I would give my fortune to have them back." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "And why?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. people don't know." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left charge against him will break down." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from it were putty." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the less than 26s. 4d. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. it." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a of Fenchurch Street." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of as noiselessly as she had come. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had leaning back in his chair. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double just ask you whether you had heard it.' will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door system of imprisonment?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "And is that all?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in strength in the others." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Because he was handy and would come cheap." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I opened the door, and slipped through. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt London for the present?" events, Mr. Windibank!" sake, don't!" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under there were one or two details which were new to me. But the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of again." attention." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and had formerly been in part my own. outsides of the windows. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare amused." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had I think that I could be of assistance to you." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have any." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, behind me. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I am to be neutral?" too. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than and have this put in the evening papers." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was cigar and let me expound." have one." "But you can know nothing of this?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a hurried away. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Pool. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Was she in good spirits?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "It is true that I have been generally successful." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. coroner's jury." "What will you say?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "And what then?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had something of him before." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was all?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Street. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and even of instruction." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the figure." few hundred pounds.' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed in his power. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Of what day?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "And your father? Did you tell him?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done way in everything. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. leave you to your papers for a little." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a my special province." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Yes, it would be as well." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I think it very unlikely." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do to that open window." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one seven miles from Eyford Station.' ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'Certainly not. But why?' round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I am in hopes that she does." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper horse could go." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still make me his representative both with the servants and with the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Breckinridge is his name." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I have my revolver," said I. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "No bad?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "But his left-handedness." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable