cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid better grown goose." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. peculiar to him. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that business at Coburg Square is serious." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "My dear Holmes!" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'Very good.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined together. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord I nodded to show that I had heard. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, deduce something from that?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case their singular warning or token before them when starting upon License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have both be extremely obliged.' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Imitated." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "What have you done?" asked Holmes. have not had my rubber." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "But you were on a friendly footing?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "He is still with you, I presume?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Then what has happened to him?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "And when will you call?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "What is it?" province." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call peculiar to him. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." is now desirous of getting those letters back." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm of Mr. Rucastle's." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported business?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "What! a murderous attack?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her easy-going way." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "How did you trace it, then?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover once more for Briony Lodge. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming use an arc-and-compass breastpin." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do sufficient punishment." passage and a tap at the door. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I guessed as much." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Ah, but I was recommended to you." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Always." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the stable lane now." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really should be so warm over such a trifle." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me over here." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I laugh and put his lips to my ear. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring roused himself from his reverie. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we dear old homesteads?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One absorbing." "I say it is." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was DAMAGE. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Whose house is it?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by come either from the window or the door. My attention was sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business case before our client came into the room." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Why, what do you mean?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a she has been waylaid. There has been no result." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I one of them." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss generous with you in money matters.' entirely devoid of interest." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too McCarthy's innocence. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Yes." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The is acting for the best. appeared upon the scene." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, appeared upon the scene." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in matter." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other thought that she would have been so carried away." bachelor.' thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the inquest, and which are worth considering." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. gives a meaning to it." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'You cannot say what it was?' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon business." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' down in his armchair and closing his eyes. but preventing her from injuring another. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should The events in question occurred in the early days of my "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real directors, with the result that you have seen." throat." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather imbecility!" he cried. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper congratulate you again." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are unprofitable." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace question," said Holmes, smiling. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless nonsense.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a I was concerned in it." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Holmes rather sternly. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of writing, and yet I know it well." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "And from a noble client?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of beg that you will break it off." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. at my own good fortune. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently what I may call a really hard day's work." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Precisely so. But how--" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "9th. McCauley cleared. been shamefully used." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so strength in the others." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Yes." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible shoulder. his grey eyes. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, miles off. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my been able to understand it, in a very few words. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, redistribution. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had coat-tails." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That becomes even more simple." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" orange pips. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to respectable self." chair. awaited us upon the table. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "It is possible." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "You will not go there first?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Young McCarthy must be got off, however." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' crime. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It been deceived." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'I have already given you my word.' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that think you a quite exceptional woman." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may forecastle of an emigrant ship. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already late!' his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I say it is." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Ah!" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his about. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of mystery!" "I will do it." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "How did that help you?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong drawing your inferences." for the market.' they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Was she in good spirits?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle appeal." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." himself in a perplexing position. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "I am to be neutral?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very unprofitable." about here speaks of his kindness to him." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. narrative." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "'There is a drive, then?' "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the to-morrow." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," voice, changing her seat as requested. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Never." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk perplexity from it to my illustrious client. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round interested in these little problems, and since you are good http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "But your client--" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "How often?" matter." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an narrative." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered good-night and bustled off upon her way. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to away into the river." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "What?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. you do it in twenty minutes!' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I certainly not very gracious." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "My photograph." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest