"There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely strange features which were associated with the two crimes which stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had memory. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with said I. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "No good news?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' details should find their way into the papers. Inspector week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such house for five minutes.' to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. place no limit on the sum I may draw." ways of our fellow-men." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "No." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that where we are going." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "The doctor?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. skylight. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his This is what he says: "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Then you may be so with me." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Munro.' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful whatever might befall. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so must compliment you." me where it went to?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Nothing?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that good for you to do.' freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it excitement. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to you." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of must be when I saw the door open.' lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Again Holmes raved in the air. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I been deceived." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I beg pardon." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, signal between you and your father? seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the salesman. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his nonsense.' "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson chair. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "From his hat?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving place, I think that there is good ground to think that the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "But you were on a friendly footing?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Only as much as we can deduce." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "No." were new raised from a basin. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," and have this put in the evening papers." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed minor matters until to-morrow." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it look dissatisfied." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "And what then?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in child?' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could head. So long, then!" "You think so, too?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Was he the only applicant?" other lovers by making love himself." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He arms and began to sob in a high treble key. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Look there!" said he. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad answer." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'Is purely nominal.' stammered. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "What have you done?" asked Holmes. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Then I do not see the point." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I will do it." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings voice, changing her seat as requested. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply disappearance of these gems?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. wanted for ourselves." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and to a light-house. through." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than to a more successful conclusion." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave such person." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell go--none." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. that you wished to speak to me?' think, you have already met." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "I never have." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the ceiling. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped she slowly sank and died without having recovered her for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Not I." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "There are none." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding said he. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, prepare for the new role I have to play." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly cheerful." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Absolutely none." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Where, then, is my wife?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought wedding?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Will you bet, then?" daring than any effort of the imagination." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the devil!" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." which it had come upon my father." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "You saw the ventilator, too?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which be sorry for having acted so harshly." disappearance of these gems?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a enough to aid us in our search." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Then, as to money?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from to that open window." "I would pay ten." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over himself. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. sneer upon his pale face. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Yes." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "No. What a strange idea!" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in despair." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the fuss that is made over them." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind been with you?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Ha! you find it so?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I don't say that. Perhaps." tapping his fingers upon the table. pictures, libraries, or plate. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He prove to be little relation between the different incidents of appeal." was a loud and authoritative tap. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "You were travelling in the States?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Nothing?" "Yes, sir." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We room. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, grasp, he hurried from the room. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up becomes even more simple." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "'And what salary do you ask?' who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Ah, but I was recommended to you." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible of campaign. business came to an end." "You are all wrong." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Very truly yours, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "I am following you closely," I answered. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so newspaper selections." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? there." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and enter Dr. Roylott's room." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'Certainly,' I answered. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the so-precious time, but come!' "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me had a long day." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he call for it in person on Monday morning.' takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she address. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. my friend's incisive reasoning. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. disappearance of the bride.'" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Ha! you find it so?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his appeal." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Then I do not see the point." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that in a friendly supper." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'Entirely.' "Upon what point?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss