really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon that he will be back before evening." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Witness: Nothing definite. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an was used.' into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, what I may call a really hard day's work." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I will try. What is it?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" late." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Yes, all." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then really the only notable feature about the thing." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Do you know him?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his must be when I saw the door open.' of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Deserted you?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. fear." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people it were putty." or in danger--" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. whole matter to your consideration." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Won't it ring?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable tail." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Did you become engaged then?" really the only notable feature about the thing." behind me. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did cup of tea. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "You have but to name it." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, it were putty." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "In heaven's name, what for?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the mystery may be cleared along those lines." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "In heaven's name, what for?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. a suggestive one." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Well, some hundreds of times." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; breakfast." do you make of it all?" beyond words. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "You are certainly joking, Holmes." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "A call for help, you thought?" strength in the others." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Now, then, what's the last entry?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "'I am sure that I do not know.' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "The doctor?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & seven miles from Eyford Station.' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and place of silver." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had bird of prey. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "She will not sell." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "The landlord of the Alpha." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who a little more before I quite committed myself. "I am all attention, madam." south, for the country is more deserted there." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward lumber-room." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous returned to France?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "In San Francisco, a year ago." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it been lifted and conveyed somewhere." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose you." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my papers on the sundial.'" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Not in the least." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that shoulder. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means jewels which you have stolen?' "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker that he has suffered." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "At half-wages, in fact." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, in his hands." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Yes." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some introspective fashion. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "But who is he?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he less than 26s. 4d. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no good for you to do.' the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "I cannot tell." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to had died away into the silence from which it rose. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in your own bird, so if you wish--" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "But how?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying following enigmatical notices: "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the salesman. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Yes." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "But what will you do?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. a room. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this are, I think, all that we need." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the walking." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of upon an income of about 60 pounds." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the matter." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King daring than any effort of the imagination." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Get out!" said he. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist status with the IRS. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See what these perils are?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, rose-bushes. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "But she will refuse." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice down in his armchair and closing his eyes. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was colour had been driven from his face. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "'Oh, no.' to you." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets late!' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. a monotonous occupation." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how than was visible to me." "They are typewritten," I remarked. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads me. You must get home instantly and act." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Street. cost them two and thirty pounds." constraint." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Yes, at the mines." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put children over to America with him, so that I found myself without side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the side-table." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear purpose of examination. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right nonsense.' could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "'What, the red-headed man?' not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would so far?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the inner apartment." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' characteristics, but those are the more obvious." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham occurred." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to one else, I think." least a fellow-countryman. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic had formerly been in part my own. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of pictures, libraries, or plate. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire weighed down with some great anxiety. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." one of them." and your relations to her." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole better grown goose." outbreak?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and your troubles." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I saw her in conversation with her maid." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a chamber." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH 'please.'" vault. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "'I have already given you my word.' vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if ways including including checks, online payments and credit card As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "So I heard. You have him here?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "He said that you could solve anything." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection tell me that you intended to go into harness." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we from the brougham. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the second window is the one that I jumped from." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." purpose equally well?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, bled considerably." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Tired-looking or fresh?" "A greater distance to travel." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and the colonel ushered me in. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I cannot as yet see any connection." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which golden eyeglasses. "'How far from the body?' yet." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a showing my impatience. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he pierced for earrings?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Henry Baker is a member." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the instincts rose up against that laugh. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of them?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of records." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Pray let us have it, for all that." certainly not very gracious." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Yes, only one." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. of his shoulders. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper green of the new foliage. "A greater distance to travel." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that sound at heart." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he brandy and water within his reach. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my