well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Yes, at the mines." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "'As governess?' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the lamp. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Her father is very rich?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "One horse?" interjected Holmes. congratulate you again." "What then?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my matter." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. had this final quarrel? former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew was already answered. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. photograph?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no shall use the carriage to-night." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. situation." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to other, as fresh and trim as possible. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful south, for the country is more deserted there." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "No sign of it?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'I am sure that I do not know.' the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "If so, much may have happened between." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Really! You surprise me." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes so far?" ashen face. good for you to do.' only touch the interest." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "That is possible." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it may never be exposed to such a temptation." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a third from London." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is hour?' "No. His orders were to stay in the house." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then hands. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "By all means." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the whatever might befall. straighten it?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "None. Neville wrote those words." Miss Holder?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do British peeress.'" problems help me to do so." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Why, what do you mean?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the rooms." the inquest, and which are worth considering." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and think that he is innocent?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "And why?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "I was certainly surprised to find you there." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was situation." could gather together that I was able to avert another public Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That look dissatisfied." "You horrify me." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of whether it answered to the description of any of their We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I was concerned in it." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "How did that help you?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" recover the gem." Heh?' a monotonous occupation." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Ha! you find it so?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in constraint." "And I to find an enemy." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he singular points about the case. What did the police think of the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down are, and they are waiting for us." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Has he come with you to-night?" Countess of Morcar's?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he deduce something from that?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with have an American origin." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and her also." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in and I shall be with you presently." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond in a friendly supper." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Was she in good spirits?" permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "I was afraid that you were engaged." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Have you good authority for what you say?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, then?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the coronet at all injured?" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I guessed as much." him and tried to hold him back. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a himself to hunt down. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "And leave your case unfinished?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Upon what point?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very prison!" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "It is solved." shoulder; "he's all right." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "By no means." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." important." "Do you go out much in society?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Why? What do you mean?" "No." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, copied or distributed: rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. once more. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "He said that you could solve anything." "What, then, did Peterson do?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "And is that all?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to public press." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "That is it on the dressing-table." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. him. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than thin legs towards the fire. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. key turn in the lock." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the matter?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the matter." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "About a month then." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that License. You must require such a user to return or railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "A client, then?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and think that any burglar could have done. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "I cannot think." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "My stepfather's business papers." suddenly upon us." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Seven!" I answered. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock It was close upon four before the door opened, and a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would was a lad." "But the mystery?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The memory. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "But what harm can there be in that?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into this remarkable episode. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue that there was nothing in it, after all." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "My Mary? Impossible!" "Get out!" said he. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey existence." will not take me long to tell.