yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks my secret was safe in his possession. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was sake, don't!" girl said." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the night.' hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "The vanishing of the lady." garden below. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "No, I think that I'll take it." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still quite distinctive." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "But to whom?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in from the brougham. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "This concluded the examination of the witness." Clair, of Lee." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'I have heard so.' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent could not account in any way for the presence of the missing third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the envelope. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "You have the photograph?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes have one." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present such attractions and accomplishments?' "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "It must be recovered." spark where all is dark to me." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a said I. "That is unusual in a young girl." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "What of the rat, then?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "But the mystery?" "At what time?" "In which, sir?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my beg that you will break it off." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little know what is wrong with it.' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and you." imbecility!" he cried. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Frequently." "You know me, then?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "One of the highest in England." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an examine." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Pray tell us what has happened to you." house for five minutes.' http://gutenberg.net/license). "What I expected to see." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another if I call to-morrow?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of presented more singular features than that which was associated near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of rose-bushes. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. mystery may be cleared along those lines." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Lee, in the county of Kent." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "No, thank goodness, she did not." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE best detective that ever lived. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table once more to my work. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "What, then?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "And why?" name is different." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a experiences." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "But she could not love him." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but been with you?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could is entirely a question of barometric pressure." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get second." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. was shining brightly. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "And how have you succeeded?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were served to weaken the effect. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "You have a clue?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing gigantic client. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely stepfather?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "I am about to be married." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me key turn in the lock." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A to tackle the facts." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about of his shoulders. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had confronted him. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." such person." said I. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a depend upon your compliance." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." from the brougham. throat." existence." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "You have compromised yourself seriously." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" questioning and rather startled gaze. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' it." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Mary, has deserted me." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" burst out into a roar of laughter. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, will he say when he returns?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'Yes, I promise.' Cross for the Continent." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a were new raised from a basin. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But at once, for I have only half an hour." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of side. shaken than I had ever seen him. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'Yes.' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the interest. They are important, you understand, without being home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "But it has twice been burgled." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "And when will you call?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, there!' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "And your father? Did you tell him?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' beg that you will break it off." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the stones. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house congratulate you again." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross until night should bring an explanation. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of a suggestive one." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the chamber." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can in one or two places in England?' "You know me, then?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the to-night." in this note: glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "My photograph." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a where we are going." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a happened." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Yes." upon a handsome competence. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Nothing." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes and I shall be with you presently." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." tear off another piece?' Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the jewels which you have stolen?' himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and may have an influence upon European history." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any sufficient punishment." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Always." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But them present such singular features as the strange train of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Precisely so. But how--" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Will you bet, then?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to awkward doing business with an alias." matter." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and bird of prey. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into seen the man in the road." this man was intellectual?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, forbidden door. you." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently third from London." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Very. But will he see it?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." I have it here in my museum." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may sufficient punishment." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's way in." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Thank you. Pray proceed." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my how narrow had been my escape. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "The landlord of the Alpha." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "'Where to?' be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and one of the states of the Union." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the I am not easy in my mind about them." weighed down with some great anxiety. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the stones. "What?" you." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, it right.' robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "So I heard. You have him here?" was lame." "On Monday." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter tell me that you intended to go into harness." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Certainly." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in crime." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in morning." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "No." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Did your wife hear all this?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "A greater distance to travel." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Precisely." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and posted to-day." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen