two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'And what are they worth?' I asked. is a common subject for conversation. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds asked with his eyes open. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to there in twenty minutes." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary society." will not take me long to tell. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "But you can know nothing of this?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found to-night's adventure." know all about it," he snarled. man. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching girl said." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I came to find a friend." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that wife's character?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, later, upon the night of May 2nd." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "What do you make of that, Watson?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "In which, sir?" "Nearly eleven." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "And your mother is alive?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "So I have heard." points to suicide?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see at my remark. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly have had none more fantastic than this." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," to tell." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you The King stared at him in amazement. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I at my remark. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some some place of shelter and let the county police know what has who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. next day. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Holmes rather sternly. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her weighed down with some great anxiety. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "No, thank goodness, she did not." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "No, I am descending." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might leaning back in his chair. vault. of them has the shutters up.' "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or note?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than article?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Where, then, is my wife?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more it. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. until night should bring an explanation. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' fish-monger and a tide-waiter." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look them, and came down just as you departed. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Oh, yes, easily." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "So it appears." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." there in twenty minutes." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "No, but the enclosure is." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "No, I am descending." there when the Rucastles went away." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" said he at last. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "And you can do nothing until then?" own family. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "That was it, sir." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." intrusion of other matters." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "You know me, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One in. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the window, rose as we entered. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." case before our client came into the room." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "But not more so than I to find you." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Just look it up, then." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "What is it, then--a fire?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Certainly." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." secret." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "So I heard. You have him here?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "VIOLET HUNTER." him to go away.' order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Then you may be so with me." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. evidence," I remarked. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he prisoner's face. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America been deceived." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord tail." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "A call for help, you thought?" the coronet at all injured?" I have it here in my museum." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has answered with a sidelong glance. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he murdered man." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the DAMAGE. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and were new raised from a basin. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, situation." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their most important business. It is probable that he will be away all to his chemical studies. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Very good.' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a electronic works on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be correct than the official force." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Witness: It was. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that I nodded again. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? is acting for the best. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, correct than the official force." "Ten will be early enough." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "But he might be a bachelor." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the were new raised from a basin. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man look upon these things in a different way." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous perplexity from it to my illustrious client. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." this as likely?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands where we are going." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. been able to understand it, in a very few words. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "But you can know nothing of this?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "She told me to ask you." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered will not take me long to tell. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no suddenly upon us." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the you?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the comes from the middle window." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered confronted him. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Where does the thing come from?' "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I am following you closely," I answered. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Very well, sir. And this stone?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I would give my fortune to have them back." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." an introduction to him?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view followed. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are danger is over." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking III. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'I am sure if I had known--' envelope. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Come in!" said he. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I would pay ten." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter."