and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which said Mr. Holder. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. mystery may be cleared along those lines." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of brandy and water within his reach. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door returning from some small jollification and was making his way Count Von Kramm." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Did you become engaged then?" "He said too much." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to him." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would sake, don't!" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was I think that I could be of assistance to you." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and take the flies, but not before." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose them, and came down just as you departed. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock with you?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little horse could go." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was spark where all is dark to me." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Then I do not see the point." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows open." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I was afraid that you were engaged." this as likely?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation said I. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Your presence might be invaluable." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "This concluded the examination of the witness." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. little trying to do so much typewriting?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning License. You must require such a user to return or public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Come in!" said Holmes. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City together. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Yes?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back front of me. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Where, indeed?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife public press." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "And what then?" charge against him will break down." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. people don't know." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he vague figure huddled up in the darkness. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to arrangements." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found appeal." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in returned to France?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "It missed him, then?" his wife has ceased to love him." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I made him keep the appointment." upon the white wrist. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you and that he would see to anything that turned up. "And why?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start was the fact that his father should, according to his account, gentleman's clothes. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "I will try. What is it?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless figure." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and I shall be with you presently." both be extremely obliged.' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "There are none." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'And what are they worth?' I asked. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "How long did she speak to this Alice?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Stolen, then." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'And what salary do you ask?' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon companion imperturbably. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Why, it's a dummy," said he. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Then I can wait in the next room." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for digesting their breakfasts at home." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own present." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my views." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The plantation.' "You did not overhear what they said?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you DAMAGE. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "And is that all?" promised to bring home. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with third from London." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Nothing?" the roots. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my less than 26s. 4d. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "The landlord of the Alpha." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and was it brought him the coronet? "By no means." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get hurried away. case before our client came into the room." once more to my work. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the question. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the next day. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, in his hands." "None." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an gone. excitement. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "That's no good." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "How often?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'Quite sure, dad.' "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, of receipt of the work. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I would pay ten." Heh?' from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "It is his hat." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain assist you in forming an opinion." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "By all means." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and see me here to avoid scandal." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the detained." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. hour?' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Proceed, then." detained." your billet.' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, village inn over there?" "Won't it ring?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the business in the City. She little knew what. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "But it has twice been burgled." becomes even more simple." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. he. chance." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester I took the paper from him and read as follows: that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an six. Come in!" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "It is to him that this trophy belongs." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we not come at once?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must During two years I have had three consultations and one small back into the street. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I writer." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last easy-going way." just called myself is not exactly my own." "I think that it is very probable." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'I have already given you my word.' whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At done what I asked you, Jones?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Chief Executive and Director people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of that you wished to speak to me?' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." garden below. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "It looks newer than the other things?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you invisible to me," I remarked. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark present." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small in. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had said I. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your you, my dear young lady?' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were system of imprisonment?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the became a certainty. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I have hopes." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "He is dead," cried several voices. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of it with his own hands." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an friend's singular character. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Only as much as we can deduce." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out them?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'Yes, sir.' "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Very. But will he see it?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Not him." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Yes." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' away into the river." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "What?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as information in his hands the value of which he did not himself for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us the bed, and you in that chair." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case situation." within hail.' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler been lifted and conveyed somewhere." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend is so. I know all about McCarthy." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his be best to do. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own to some other building. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there friend's singular character. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge fatally injured? I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "And how did you find out?" "Yes." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Pray be precise as to details," said he. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did