There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Does that suggest anything?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there will find little credit to be gained out of this case." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade fluttered off among the others. only touch the interest." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch this unhappy family?" cause to be." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes, certainly." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not events than those which have happened in my own family." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you developed." wanted for ourselves." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "The Coroner: What do you mean? one or two very singular points about this room. For example, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" correct than the official force." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "That also I could fathom." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the loss of it. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most their singular warning or token before them when starting upon prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the helping a boy to put up the shutters. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it where she found matters as described by the last witness. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the side-table." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, 1.E.9. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Well, but China?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "VIOLET HUNTER." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "That was it, sir." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. you." "But it has twice been burgled." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "'And the work?' even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I am all attention, madam." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and second." own family. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a again on its way. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." out." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to fear." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "No, I had a dozen." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'And what are they worth?' I asked. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Which surely he restored to their owner?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "It is very kind of you." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low how narrow had been my escape. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "What are they?" "I am armed." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "And now?" He raised his hand. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." strong reason behind." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, I nodded again. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled nice household for a young lady." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I appeal." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I will get her to show me." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning was lame." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. nice household for a young lady." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly side. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Not him." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE three fields round his house, and there he would take his hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax begin with, and I had not got mine yet." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "VIOLET HUNTER." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I assure you that I am in your hands." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "The doctor?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "It surprised me." over part of the map. "What do you read?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your stood on the top of it. "What! You do not mean bodies?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been to arrive at through this?" death." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Serpentine Avenue. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but the morning and make my own way in the world.' had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me help us in this matter." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in fear." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we business." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "What do you mean?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was salesman. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and know what is wrong with it.' you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "No, I had a dozen." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the tragedy. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "I shall be delighted." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "How did that help you?" asked. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian said he, "my real name is James Ryder." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I cannot imagine." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "But I have heard all that you have heard." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." way in everything. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I affair. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I was mad--insane." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." think, you have already met." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was leave you to your papers for a little." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "I am still in the dark." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed take the flies, but not before." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last hour?' main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the served to weaken the effect. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Come in!" said he. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Not in a good cause." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the do." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father anything to do with the matter?" strength in the others." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "None." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting of Mr. Rucastle's." generous with you in money matters.' "It is very kind of you." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray not, dad?" she asked. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of himself. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I would give my fortune to have them back." served to weaken the effect. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I would pay ten." questionable one." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself obstinate." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He him to be an active member of the medical profession." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not chambers. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Look there!" said he. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I am still in the dark." there is a decided draught." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up back to my heart. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "He is still with you, I presume?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on house for five minutes.' which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias was used.' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able wanted for ourselves." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband mysterious end." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Murdered?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Was the window open?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was little adventures." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Ah, but I was recommended to you." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow companion quietly. pound a week." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own learned something! Where are the gems?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon humiliation." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and breakfast?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying to-morrow." "When did it break out?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry something of him before." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from you, my dear young lady?' "Your French gold?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the weapon." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" like gravel from a pit.' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his recover the gem." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose is entirely a question of barometric pressure." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! entirely devoid of interest." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, an introduction to him?" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight pierced for earrings?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Cross for the Continent." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from what is your own theory as to what took place?" companion imperturbably. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad.