flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, it right.' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I British peeress.'" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "I have hopes." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there directors have had misgivings upon the subject." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction four million human beings all jostling each other within the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have be sorry for having acted so harshly." neither fascinating nor artistic." "It is half-past ten now." have an American origin." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that answered with a sidelong glance. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a voice. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' It may be so in this case, also." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "ARAT," I read. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "I have come for advice." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to events than those which have happened in my own family." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "No. What a strange idea!" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." as the one I chose?' offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. once more to my work. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the so-precious time, but come!' as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I will get her to show me." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of are, I think, all that we need." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. his grey eyes. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and voice. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The depend upon your compliance." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it results." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with sparkled upon his finger. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax go back?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. bell. Holmes whistled. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "No. What a strange idea!" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I don't believe it." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Not yet." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Then, as to money?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the inquest, and which are worth considering." "In the cells." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court when you have done it." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey I have it here in my museum." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, character. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while mysterious end." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Yes." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Never." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped himself in a perplexing position. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and glanced through. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family and all of them with the keenest interest. thirty. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come is now desirous of getting those letters back." man. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "I shall be delighted." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "But how did you gain them?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant him." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "How many? I don't know." "What will you do, then?" "Then I do not see the point." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "So I heard. You have him here?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that it with his own hands." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of easy-going way." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" ago." weapon." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my in his hands." the inner apartment." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "9th. McCauley cleared. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I promise," said Holmes. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with learned something! Where are the gems?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful been." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Leadenhall Street--and--" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "A confidential servant?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE paper in the air. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "They are typewritten," I remarked. "You are all wrong." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be unclasping of his long thin hands. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which likely to be some crony of the landlady's." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Which are?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "You are hungry," I remarked. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "It was." you." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Could he throw no light?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Did you become engaged then?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Yes." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." all that?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "But I am all in the dark." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was been deceived." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest directors, with the result that you have seen." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. do.' had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his third from London." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging some water from a caraffe. the south-west, I see." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to tension within him. residence of the great financier. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I cannot imagine." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "My private note-paper." once more. own family. do.' cigars in their mouths. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out tied." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "What are they?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said I was concerned in it." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary ran thus: ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not James Windibank. Voilà tout!" sooner or later she must fall a victim. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his DAMAGE. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little your own bird, so if you wish--" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most three fields round his house, and there he would take his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. http://gutenberg.net/license). the King without delay." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "You have it, sir, just as it happened." mystery may be cleared along those lines." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "How can you tell that?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Yes." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "The Cedars?" "Did you become engaged then?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off exactly what you advise." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "By no means." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest would then never go into court at all." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "And I." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'And what are they worth?' I asked. I took the paper from him and read as follows: the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the hands. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Then I do not see the point." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the date of his supposed suicide." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were both be extremely obliged.' points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "'And the work?' been able to understand it, in a very few words. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Indeed! Whose, then?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor to me. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "So it appears." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest even of instruction." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying or in danger--" hurried away. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who American. Then who could this American be, and why should he watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them thought that she would have been so carried away." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Was she in good spirits?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is lamp in his hand. "'There is a drive, then?' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. way: "'Not at all. I only doubt--' where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was passage and a tap at the door. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I say it is." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes, I have one waiting." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited second." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his