Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" yards of it?' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "And how?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, shoulder. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better both be extremely obliged.' "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling said he. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Holmes' thin, eager face. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in fact, we may call it conclusive." "I was afraid that you were engaged." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. photograph a cabinet?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were populous neighbourhood." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the that you saw all that I did." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a that I may have something better before very many minutes are Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a I held the little printed slip to the light. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "You horrify me." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" there is a decided draught." his eyes and forehead. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "So it appears." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And dates and names. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." way in." to miss it." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of way: knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you retorted upon me, and I on you." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the warnings." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Why that?' I asks. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps hands. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Yes." views." "And your father? Did you tell him?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my of fine shops and stately business premises that they really and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and there in twenty minutes." "Yes, I have one waiting." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Why did you beat the pavement?" night.' said he. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a several quiet little villages up there." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, golden eyeglasses. "I am following you closely," I answered. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, less than 26s. 4d. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat fear." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Sutherland. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a client, rising. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite was shining brightly. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "It is his hat." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I upon the sideboard." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "If so, much may have happened between." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I as this. Pray let me have the details." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and province." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the me. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of chance." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a what do you think they found in the pockets?" it." Street. with you alone." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and you for a few hours?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we from the brougham. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made best detective that ever lived. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Certainly, madam." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money imbecility!" he cried. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "To ruin me." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was been shamefully used." to have been novel and of interest." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag of his shoulders. Serpentine Avenue. nonsense.' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his vanished into the darkness. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." your co-operation." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "You have it, sir, just as it happened." appeal." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to jewels which you have stolen?' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the nights." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "I was mad--insane." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for past. politicians who had been sent down from the North. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her business matters.' stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Never to return." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "It is very kind of you." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would people in all walks of life. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom John Swain, of St. Augustine. do.' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "No." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the this Miss Turner." writer." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "In what way?" asked Holmes. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged and glanced through. had a long day." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Not in the least." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all there is a decided draught." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with always that they were such commands as a lady might with incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows as yours." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little one which it was hard to resist. whole matter to your consideration." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I should like to see him very much." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." sufficient punishment." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is garden below. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are felt the room to be a little close.' "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt noble correspondent could be. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "'What then?' I asked. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we States. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of views." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Where is it, then?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" retorted upon me, and I on you." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Not I." tension within him. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey least a fellow-countryman. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "But how could you guess what the motive was?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Street. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend someone who had been in Australia." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "It is his hat." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a be sorry for having acted so harshly." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Oh, the cause is excellent!" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "None. Neville wrote those words." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. voice, changing her seat as requested. "'Ten to two.' home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his voice, changing her seat as requested. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "May I see it?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out one's self under obligations.' that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face your bag." giving me time to thank him. take the flies, but not before." crowd. persecution?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had ready to-morrow?' father's young wife. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we of receipt of the work. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do main points of my analysis." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon comes from the middle window." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son fire. You quite follow me?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Always." "So I have heard." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "How did that help you?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to