"I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "I was sure that I might rely on you." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have guilty one." "'I have already given you my word.' quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Look there!" said he. "Which are?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not breakfast?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "What do you mean?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the depend upon my doing so.' the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of a good hundred miles off by now." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "And now?" I asked. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "In answer to an advertisement." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I cannot say that I have." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the me." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile I nodded to show that I had heard. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, be best to do. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was made him keep the appointment." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if notes," he said. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the obstinate." matter." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek golden eyeglasses. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Nothing?" over with notes and figures. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set it right.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who row." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. this unhappy family?" read it out to me." my special province." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a your co-operation." when you have done it." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Dr. Gregory B. Newby from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "He might." was a perfect sample of the class. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house to a more successful conclusion." chance at all." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep we went to search for him, face downward in a little were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'And the work?' The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with looking up at the numbers of the houses." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Chief Executive and Director fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to was used.' if she died from some sudden fright." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head recover the gem." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had and it need not interfere very much with one's other stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and correct than the official force." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save to his chemical studies. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "No legal papers or certificates?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure distinguish the words: Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Yesterday." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is sooner or later she must fall a victim. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, instituted." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and examination of the premises, but without finding anything which of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the 'please.'" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence What do you deduce from it?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There were wasted." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do carpenter." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has persecution?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable you." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Precisely." here." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Yes." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you forehead. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of forecastle of an emigrant ship. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest completely overtopped every other consideration that we both but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates awaited us upon the table. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your him nearly every evening." father's young wife. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the that I can to serve you." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no train from Paddington which would bring you there at about About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in union?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything think, you have already met." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "He said that you could solve anything." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Where, indeed?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'Yes, I promise.' moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in your own bird, so if you wish--" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or upon an income of about 60 pounds." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, all that?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in man. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the matter." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am bell. Holmes whistled. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "That is it on the dressing-table." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "A client, then?" "Yes." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they experiences." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he into the bag, and made for the door. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all been able to understand it, in a very few words. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds cigars in their mouths. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." if she died from some sudden fright." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of it with the greatest attention. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "And from a noble client?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Well, it is a possible supposition." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'Where could I find him?' would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "And your mother is alive?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, shall not find me ungrateful." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "A client, then?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it cigars in their mouths. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia unclasping of his long thin hands. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "'Very good.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I husband's writing, madam." the coroner come to?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "It missed him, then?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Eh? What was that?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Why did you pick him?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were better in every way that they should make their position a little It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your became a certainty. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Yes." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. with some details as to your case." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Yes, I have one waiting." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I have my revolver," said I. "Here?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Again Holmes raved in the air. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To drawing your inferences." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent in this way: "In San Francisco, a year ago." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which that I am arrested." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your you in yours." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "I am to be neutral?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that you saw all that I did." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" had this final quarrel? "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and upon an income of about 60 pounds." keep the flames under. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Very. But will he see it?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Oh, fresh and glossy." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a never to learn it at all." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found newspaper selections." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "What shall I do?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I would give my fortune to have them back." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the are, I think, all that we need." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "It is to him that this trophy belongs." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I cannot think." said he. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Her father is very rich?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not with the outside air!" infinite languor in his face. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of window when the police appeared." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk IS material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near