them, and came down just as you departed. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I am about to be married." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, mysterious end." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small village inn over there?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "In the cells." entirely lost his self-respect." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture opened a pocket-book and took out a note. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for to have that photograph." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to system of imprisonment?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss bill, which interests me deeply." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry brandy and water within his reach. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of woven round him. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and purpose of examination. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you started for the Temple to see my husband. was shining brightly. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, would then never go into court at all." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up are, and they are waiting for us." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination on re-entering her father's house?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when details should find their way into the papers. Inspector experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle married her." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out hair?' "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" keep the flames under. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "In which, sir?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it and a shock of very red hair. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, carriage. It was a chestnut." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Eyford at 11:15.' cheerful." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance any more." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just and capable of preserving a secret.' thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical morning." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once empty. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to him." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "An enemy?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Have you good authority for what you say?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Where did he live, then?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried as this. Pray let me have the details." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy unkempt, staring out at me. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand ventilator." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out criminal. We have already had experience of such." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "What?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "And how did he make his money?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "How did he come?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco there were so many in the whole country as were brought together without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Certainly, madam." in his power. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "You think that he is dead?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "By no means." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that arrangements." congenial hunt. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I don't believe it." gone before you can get him to hospital." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. of them has the shutters up.' the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of you do it in twenty minutes!' the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, strength of mind to control. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "No." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Perhaps I have." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the know that the truth is known." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to your most interesting statement." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the child." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "I would give my fortune to have them back." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Why did you pick him?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a companion imperturbably. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." cigars in the box." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose results." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** him to be an active member of the medical profession." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "And why in hopes?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "The Cedars?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Watson," he said cordially. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, your own bird, so if you wish--" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Pool. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Mary, has deserted me." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Foundation Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of papers must be those that are destroyed.' the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "You are hungry," I remarked. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a criminal. We have already had experience of such." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he a good hundred miles off by now." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "To ruin me." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what there has been an enclosure here!" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Upon what point?" You want to know what became of those geese?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to his huge brown hands. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the even so self-evident a thing as that." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness carried out of court." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Not in the least." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." do.' stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a at my remark. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I was certainly surprised to find you there." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "I never have." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the matter." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened one of the states of the Union." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE you came in." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb envelope. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," unprofitable." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." hardly wander." "'Certainly,' I answered. "And sit in the dark?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "He said that you could solve anything." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "What is it, then--a fire?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "BALLARAT." said Mr. Holder. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Then I shall certainly come." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a bachelor.' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Certainly." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, said I. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, tail." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "You are certainly joking, Holmes." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far him, that man would not have given me such complete information begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to I was concerned in it." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We his eyes and forehead. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." second window is the one that I jumped from." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself village inn over there?" "Dr. Becher's." "Precisely so. But how--" "'Quite sure, dad.' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to soul! here is her carriage at the door." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is enough to aid us in our search." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do official police." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. meanly of me." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Eyford." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have established a very serious case against the son of the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If four million human beings all jostling each other within the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "It is very clear." sooner or later she must fall a victim. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so triumphant cloud from his cigarette. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that take the flies, but not before." extraordinary contortions. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was upon the white wrist. "No legal papers or certificates?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I guessed as much." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me had formerly been in part my own. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "One?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the light and attacked it." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, rose-bushes. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a wall." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it to take care of herself." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "'Most admirably.' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." the best of training." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, whether it answered to the description of any of their "You have it, sir, just as it happened." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport fashion which was peculiar to him. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have but preventing her from injuring another. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was My friend smiled. "'Very good.' "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of You want to know what became of those geese?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. chair. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the pressing in one house as in another. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love and laid it on the table. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand