impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "An enemy?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." in a very precise fashion." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Upon what point?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Witness: It was. have got?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Do you know him?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Well, it is a possible supposition." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will developed." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the over here." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Very much so." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in been deceived." it. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all lumber-room." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "I will not look." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Holmes." "That sounds a little paradoxical." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "But the mystery?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what daring than any effort of the imagination." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: with her." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "But the mystery?" dates and names. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a society." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Yes." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter kindly on the shoulder. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but But Holmes shook his head gravely. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step front of me. "The murder was done with it." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of least a fellow-countryman. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had for its centre. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one I leave." me. You must get home instantly and act." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. father's place of business?" "Then what has happened to him?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the gives a meaning to it." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, tapping his fingers upon the table. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "And how did you verify them?" evidence," I remarked. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if fact, we may call it conclusive." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I should wish to." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked unkempt, staring out at me. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom experiences." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless that you wished to speak to me?' my room." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, awaited us upon the table. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round digesting their breakfasts at home." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most interests were the same as his." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a is," said he presently: "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend interests were the same as his." "It's nothing of the kind." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "No good news?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk highroad, where all traces were lost. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is main points of my analysis." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I have come for advice." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just You want to know what became of those geese?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or it." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for made him keep the appointment." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "But you were on a friendly footing?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "That is unusual in a young girl." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then call it cruel." speckled band?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "So I have heard." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Nearly eleven." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "How did he come?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "But I am all in the dark." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a His smile broadened. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "He said that you could solve anything." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. detained." awaited us upon the table. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the strong and stiff." out of this horrible affair." keep the flames under. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Then he might have called to you?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached crackling voice. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you awaited us upon the table. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "It missed him, then?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "What do you make of that, Watson?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." face and glided from the room. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "The best possible." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," promised to bring home. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed felt the room to be a little close.' washing it down with a long draught of water. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "No. What a strange idea!" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. with you?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "BALLARAT." better in every way that they should make their position a little Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it that you can jump it.' taking in every detail of the apartment. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him awkward doing business with an alias." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so intimate personal affairs in this public manner." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me she to prove their authenticity?" letters?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "What can you not understand?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which indeed happy." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three extraordinary contortions. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into situation." "Perhaps I have." the room while you explain this matter?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. detective. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Nothing." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a new acquaintance to Baker Street. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said problems help me to do so." my secret was safe in his possession. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Not in the least." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of into the bag, and made for the door. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how had this final quarrel? minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we nice household for a young lady." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in miles off. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Where to?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Who was the criminal, then?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a notes," he said. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This singular points about the case. What did the police think of the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the it means?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. matter." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly vault. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my ago." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. father's young wife. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "A client, then?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "My photograph." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "How often?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Were they all fastened this morning?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him drawing your inferences." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a jewels which you have stolen?' "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number it." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon appeared upon the scene." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. himself to tell his story. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, trying to your nerves." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "No, thank goodness, she did not." and I shall be with you presently." "My dear Holmes!" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the he bowed and left the room without another word. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Not particularly." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the delighted to hear it," he said. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is questionable one." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of front of me. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Will you bet, then?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the coroner come to?" questionable one." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "You saw the ventilator, too?" as this. Pray let me have the details." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the house with me." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Countess of Morcar's?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "I cannot think." "What steps will you take?" I asked. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?"