gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "She will not sell." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. criminal. We have already had experience of such." "I should be immensely obliged to you." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Literary Archive Foundation the coroner come to?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country morning." "Yes." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a come either from the window or the door. My attention was office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with hands. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I three of the beryls in it, was missing. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever you in your example." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "But how will you look?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Precisely." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew for the market.' come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "I think that I had better go, Holmes." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that begun to whiten, even as mine has." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its he. "'Yes, it was gone.' however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to to take care of herself." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "They are typewritten," I remarked. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "No." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should where Mr. Fordham shows you.' analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words http://gutenberg.net/license). continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I three fields round his house, and there he would take his ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Entirely." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Yes, all." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'And what are they worth?' I asked. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'Never,' said I. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six gbnewby@pglaf.org "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the presented more singular features than that which was associated enough to aid us in our search." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and seen the man in the road." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William I am not easy in my mind about them." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in open." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" bell. Holmes whistled. "I cannot tell." village inn over there?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an foresight and the moral retrogression?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut events than those which have happened in my own family." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "His face fell immediately. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Witness: I must still refuse. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told desk. "Well." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had visitors." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he again, where I was soon asleep. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Well, but China?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not you in your example." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "It is half-past ten now." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the is a common subject for conversation. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' come either from the window or the door. My attention was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Certainly, madam." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the nonsense.' official police." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of his shoulders. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. washing it down with a long draught of water. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an useful material for showing traces. The double line a little he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "How do you know, then?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has have not had my rubber." "That is possible." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Surrey." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must official police." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the union?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera look dissatisfied." our word." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Miss Holder?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." woman." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in I shall communicate with you." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Quite so. She has her freedom." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "What! You do not mean bodies?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called is now desirous of getting those letters back." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' experiences." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would said I. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I do." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Ten will be early enough." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "And what did you see?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a standing smiling on the door-step. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "And I." "And I." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "I am armed." "I shall most certainly do so." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "The doctor?" dear old homesteads?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "How did you deduce the select?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two you in your example." fatally injured? "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'You cannot say what it was?' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short arrested. You then--" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at I was concerned in it." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault away into the river." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may rooms." deduce something from that?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of someone who had been in Australia." to-night." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any just ask you whether you had heard it.' galvanised. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use power." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases me upon any point which I do not make clear." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential man. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "A client, then?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing if only as a check to my own memory." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to constraint." ceremony." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on highroad, where all traces were lost. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had have got?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Gutenberg-tm License. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Not in the least." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go his wife has ceased to love him." trying to your nerves." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the so-precious time, but come!' squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a noble correspondent could be. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning dramatic, in fact." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door begun to whiten, even as mine has." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said empty. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own up this clue while it is still hot." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should get her out of the way." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates words came to my lips. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "You have a clue?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant drawing your inferences." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced over here." "In the cells." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Holmes' face clouded over. sufficient punishment." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it front of me. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased off." cigars in the box." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Dr. Gregory B. Newby then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been photograph?" society." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his time." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the garden below. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from that threaten you." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his