firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper carriage. It was a chestnut." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "'Never.' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Clair, of Lee." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of upon the sideboard." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "I do." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." there!' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" colonel looking down at me. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution formed some opinion?" "I have my revolver," said I. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of narrative." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "No, I had a dozen." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." a very grave face. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Yes." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever disturbance in my wife." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "You saw the ventilator, too?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Holmes." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time death." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Why? What do you mean?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw I have it here in my museum." before the coroner and the police-court." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. companion. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'Certainly,' I answered. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "But how did you gain them?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in his power. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding interests were the same as his." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the morning and make my own way in the world.' *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. signal between you and your father? he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works I nodded again. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that highroad, where all traces were lost. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." few hundred pounds.' permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. photograph?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? breakfast?" "Very. But will he see it?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "It certainly sounds feasible." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or father's place of business?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "What then?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. has little to do with my story." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send bill, which interests me deeply." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' prison!" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom national property. I was determined that the law should have its which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said British peeress.'" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "How often?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had were unconscious?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." are, and they are waiting for us." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Yes." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the charged with?" salesman. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so following enigmatical notices: the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door it." help us in this matter." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'What are you doing there?' he asked. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid there is a decided draught." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "A confidential servant?" and have this put in the evening papers." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "But what is it you wish?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "It came here." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It missed him, then?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her important." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." do you make of it all?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed roused himself from his reverie. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded to miss it." was not a bird to be seen there. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Entirely.' story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the just ask you whether you had heard it.' stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Yesterday." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to gigantic client. "My dear Holmes!" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my and glanced through. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had you?' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is his cane at the bell-pull. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Then how many are there?" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party in the port of London." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "The gentleman I describe." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "He disappeared so suddenly." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton child?' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his this as likely?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "But how?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the writers could invent nothing more crude." annoyance, but no jest. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Mrs. Toller serenely. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive house for five minutes.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he our word." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY II. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All your only hope of safety." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "And sit in the dark?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their guilty parties." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared there were one or two details which were new to me. But the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR tied." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have business came to an end." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'Never,' said I. "'Most admirably.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "What office?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir whereabouts. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Yes. He waved his hands." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the there has been an enclosure here!" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Henry Baker is a member." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed figure." derbies." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary crackling voice. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "And sit in the dark?" Holmes' face clouded over. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Chief Executive and Director lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'I am sure that I do not know.' might have a private word with us. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "In San Francisco, a year ago." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the certainly do as you advise." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of problems help me to do so." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at details." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are Count Von Kramm." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I don't believe it." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair since then to throw any light upon what became of him." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had roused himself from his reverie. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "But he might be a bachelor." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I shall most certainly do so." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Pray do so." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his acted in my house last night?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the very morning of the wedding." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at was used.' blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I am about to be married." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Clair, of Lee." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, character. "'And the work?' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you