three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "What then?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally kindly on the shoulder. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of other means.' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Come in!" said Holmes. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the matter?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Doctor, of the paper and the date." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! meanly of me." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers said he at last. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Never." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such their singular warning or token before them when starting upon have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet most important business. It is probable that he will be away all if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of experiences." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be lost his Christmas dinner." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this stalked out of the room. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and know all about it," he snarled. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be events, Mr. Windibank!" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Not I." McCarthy." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much on in his house." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save me have 200 pounds?' "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about wall." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "No. What a strange idea!" Pope's Court. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you which it had come upon my father." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most salesman. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'About the same.' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms upon a handsome competence. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, quick march!" showing my impatience. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was to-night?" I asked. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Won't it ring?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Surrey." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, think you a quite exceptional woman." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as newspaper selections." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of his face. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. where she found matters as described by the last witness. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, sofa. This way, please!" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the it were putty." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and taking in every detail of the apartment. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if that the gas is not laid on in his house?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a done what I asked you, Jones?" "None." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the o'clock is it?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "No." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his sufficient punishment." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, might have a private word with us. the running down." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable for securing the situation." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "'Very good.' professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "How are you getting on?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "No, distinctly professional." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If thin, with a long, sharp nose?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few garden below. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." himself in a perplexing position. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and I shall be with you presently." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "The knees of his trousers." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At there is a decided draught." chambers. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as just called myself is not exactly my own." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your the so-precious time, but come!' was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. pierced for earrings?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab purpose of examination. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it do.' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his through." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact that you can jump it.' relief. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "If so, much may have happened between." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he them?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "It's nothing of the kind." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling I have it here in my museum." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this there were so many in the whole country as were brought together voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some an introduction to him?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, papers." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" sake, don't!" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'Yes, sir.' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "You think so, too?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his one else, I think." writing, and yet I know it well." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to goes." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Yes, I promise.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the date of his supposed suicide." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Nothing?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was hour." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Dirty?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "In answer to an advertisement." with the outside air!" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no might have a private word with us. shoulder; "he's all right." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in points to suicide?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another go back?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" do.' other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the them?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "To an end?" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I was afraid that you were engaged." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a security.' low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been nonsense.' neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker here." "A call for help, you thought?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I will get her to show me." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the notes," he said. read over the extraordinary announcement. chambers. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been in one or two places in England?' lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this information in his hands the value of which he did not himself slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! few hundred pounds.' although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable thin legs towards the fire. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Was he the only applicant?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "No." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Did you observe the colour?" "Then what has happened to him?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Then he might have called to you?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "And leave your case unfinished?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "And who is her maid?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was forebodings. crowd. said he. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to lips." see me here to avoid scandal." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the nursery. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'Certainly not.' said Mr. Holder. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Entirely." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon did not hear it also.' neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I am following you closely," I answered. get her out of the way." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists just ask you whether you had heard it.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other public press." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking your most interesting statement." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, forbidden door. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same article?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "What is it, then--a fire?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots fatally injured? have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's in the port of London." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her seen the man in the road." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my