prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and no precautions can guard against." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but you?' in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I was mad--insane." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same begin with, and I had not got mine yet." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Leadenhall Street--and--" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. morning." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit fact, we may call it conclusive." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Well, some hundreds of times." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused handed it to him. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with colour had been driven from his face. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of man. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Where, then?" weary and pale-looking. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at easy-going way." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of and that he would see to anything that turned up. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular like gravel from a pit.' "Certainly." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "What then?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Has he come with you to-night?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "None." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in of your young ladies.' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "No more words. Get out!" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own experiences." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do face and glided from the room. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for case before our client came into the room." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked me upon any point which I do not make clear." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. washing it down with a long draught of water. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "So it appears." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. villagers almost as much as their master. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any young Openshaw's." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort but preventing her from injuring another. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was detective. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east directors, with the result that you have seen." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the bottom.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable business at Coburg Square is serious." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "To an English lawyer named Norton." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Well, it is a possible supposition." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, forehead. "'Ten to two.' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Will you go?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike have established a very serious case against the son of the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. gives a meaning to it." Henry Baker is a member." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "You think that he is dead?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend miles off. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of with you?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Yes. He waved his hands." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. his huge brown hands. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to sentimental considerations in the background which would induce lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that bonnet, and went out." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout telegram would bring me down to your help." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months fatally injured? people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel beg that you will break it off." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through go back?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check have I gained?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of newspaper selections." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable other lovers by making love himself." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that and glanced through. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. has little to do with my story." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Count Von Kramm." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, signal between you and your father? "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources reach." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect future lives." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for that you can jump it.' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Yes, but only for you and me." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done particular state visit http://pglaf.org would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I over here." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, if only as a check to my own memory." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child quick march!" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Yes." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own your room." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "That is it on the dressing-table." "No legal papers or certificates?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from which our visitor detailed to us. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." together. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any easy-going way." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so business in the City. She little knew what. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "But his left-handedness." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no which we had just quitted. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Sholtos." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for neither fascinating nor artistic." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so thin legs towards the fire. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He deduce something from that?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we even so self-evident a thing as that." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Watson," he said cordially. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has narrative." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his locked. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "It is his hat." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "'No, I know no one in these parts.' green of the new foliage. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. himself in a perplexing position. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "No bad?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': shadow pass over his face as I spoke. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "How do you know, then?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small could go. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Not him." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue know that the truth is known." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in wanted for ourselves." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I which our visitor detailed to us. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the coronet in his hands?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "And who is her maid?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I she might be summoned. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Texas, I think." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "And what then?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the vanished into the darkness. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the best of training." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "It is very kind of you." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "It must be recovered." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to shadow pass over his face as I spoke. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his and capable of preserving a secret.' colonel looking down at me. "No, thank goodness, she did not." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "So I have heard." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Precisely." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Holmes. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "He said that you could solve anything." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' too. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There 11:15.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'In my own bureau.' "Yes, it would be as well." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against