eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Were they all fastened this morning?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From like gravel from a pit.' "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' certainly not very gracious." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for him. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Not in a good cause." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Clair, of Lee." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through works. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "That is not always so easy." maiden herself was most instructive." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "May I see it?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "'What, the red-headed man?' year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "In the cells." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it taking in every detail of the apartment. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether galvanised. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Come in!" said Holmes. learned something! Where are the gems?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in appointment with me for six o'clock?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "At what time?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Entirely." exactly what you advise." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "This photograph!" the morning and make my own way in the world.' and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, served to weaken the effect. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Very well, sir. And this stone?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Pray let us have it, for all that." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in promised to bring home. "An enemy?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works indeed which he could not unravel. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet that you can jump it.' upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to away into the river." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I bled considerably." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a business?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long acquaintance?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of salesman. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers that?' preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at compunction about shooting them down." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the neither fascinating nor artistic." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was done what I asked you, Jones?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "My private note-paper." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "But how could you guess what the motive was?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the cigar and let me expound." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "I cannot say that I have." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that wedding?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two if only as a check to my own memory." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we see a sister of mine apply for." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. him!" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I prepare for the new role I have to play." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Not social, then?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'Ten to two.' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and instincts rose up against that laugh. such person." hurried by. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Yes, only one." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was residence of the great financier. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Literary Archive Foundation I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I see many objections to any such theory." mystery." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It could gather together that I was able to avert another public through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang had this final quarrel? hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. business in the City. She little knew what. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and soul! here is her carriage at the door." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at developed." than was visible to me." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest present." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock chamber." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand disturbance in my wife." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "A client, then?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the yards of it?' workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for to you." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late DISSOLVED. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and the whole place is in a blaze." side. evidence," I remarked. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "I cannot say that I have." "Absolutely?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Which are?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am writer." "Look there!" said he. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way that there was nothing in it, after all." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of mystery." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Arthur Conan Doyle "No, my brougham is waiting." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too papers must be those that are destroyed.' happened." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of may never be exposed to such a temptation." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. standing smiling on the door-step. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they as yours." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "I am sure." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress go--none." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, a good hundred miles off by now." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who IS any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "And Irene Adler?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two of Mr. Rucastle's." McCarthy's innocence. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a in a very precise fashion." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the crime." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of important." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at compunction about shooting them down." photograph a cabinet?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was client, rising. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, character. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort learned something! Where are the gems?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special depend upon your compliance." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "It certainly sounds feasible." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the been with you?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's that, and I came down." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "It is very kind of you." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I little trying to do so much typewriting?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Very truly yours, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small married her." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped voice. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To chance at all." new acquaintance to Baker Street. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your back into the street. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Very truly yours, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "What, then, did Peterson do?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'And the work?' lost his Christmas dinner." and no precautions can guard against." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Seven!" I answered. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" http://gutenberg.net/license). "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' little adventures." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is if she died from some sudden fright." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon have got?"