it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' me." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to have one." me where it went to?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." chair. him to go away.' nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his would then never go into court at all." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, I took the paper from him and read as follows: Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our with you?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Why serious?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "That is possible." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Of Friday, June 19th." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip like gravel from a pit.' "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "I would pay ten." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Your sister is dead, then?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I am in hopes that she does." Holmes' thin, eager face. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, his face. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the window, rose as we entered. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "On your arm?" really the only notable feature about the thing." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind chance." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at I took the paper from him and read as follows: bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "So I have heard." written. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Her father is very rich?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "The doctor?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the room while you explain this matter?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Stolen, then." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing directly by questioning you." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the south-west, I see." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations tell them apart.' "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Yes, he did." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the window, rose as we entered. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said prisoner's face. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. footfalls from the street. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on shoulder. little adventures." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Who was the criminal, then?" strong and stiff." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his where she found matters as described by the last witness. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking that you can jump it.' would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Here?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be be. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would walking." and all of them with the keenest interest. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke highroad, where all traces were lost. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "None." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Proceed, then." hurried by. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "You know me, then?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I am in hopes that she does." derbies." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "You forget that I know nothing about it." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's have I gained?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up prisoner's face. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "But you have hopes?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the speckled band?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "You have it, sir, just as it happened." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is more solid." acquaintance?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few prepare for the new role I have to play." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. before the coroner and the police-court." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, one else, I think." already referred to. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I plantation.' that you can jump it.' ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for throat." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, obstinate." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I read over the extraordinary announcement. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the his eyes and forehead. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Just look it up, then." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to License. You must require such a user to return or "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "You don't mind breaking the law?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Where is it, then?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have most interesting one." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the again on its way. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." she might be summoned. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the before, for it was considerably after midnight. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his habit of advancing money.' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son you." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De skylight. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him to-night?' "I know where it is." "No, my brougham is waiting." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Where did he live, then?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. criminal. We have already had experience of such." the Red-headed League." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a case-book, which he consulted. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "But you can know nothing of this?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his again, where I was soon asleep. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "So I am. Very much so." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Proceed, then." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have of your young ladies.' "Perhaps we may make them less so." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the said I. "I promise," said Holmes. would apply.' master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some lost nothing by them." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Absolutely?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I will try. What is it?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or was lame." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads once more to my work. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. paper in the air. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if washing it down with a long draught of water. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where troubles have been weighing upon his mind. gbnewby@pglaf.org me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "The decline of his fortunes, then?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is yet." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. him. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a go back?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Won't it ring?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Then, as to money?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what on in his house." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was which we had just quitted. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 strength of mind to control. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A breakfast?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or fled together." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. few hundred pounds.' asked. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Proceed, then." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Stoke Moran?" said he. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' as he remarks, very much against the son." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house you came in." My friend smiled. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the better grown goose." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Yes." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Where is it, then?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a shall not find me ungrateful." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Sutherland?" look upon these things in a different way." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from important." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy forbidden door. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "My dear Holmes!" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of weary and pale-looking. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more goes." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly returned to France?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. points to suicide?" was a loud and authoritative tap. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Yes." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible examination of the premises, but without finding anything which he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and other means.' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that was once confined in the cab my mission was practically to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with it were putty." "And now?" He raised his hand. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has very peculiar words of the dying woman?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have