freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'Yes, sir.' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other of." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a she slowly sank and died without having recovered her can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, had picked up in the wood. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending there!' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face fact, we may call it conclusive." "Your French gold?" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Precisely so. But how--" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "What can you not understand?" went to the Alpha were town bred." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I say that I have solved it." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune that you saw all that I did." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the running down." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No to Leatherhead. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before that he will be back before evening." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "I would pay ten." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to entirely devoid of interest." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed keep the flames under. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "That you are never beaten." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Then I am your man." "'What, the red-headed man?' "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden of it with the greatest attention. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest were wasted." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your The telegram which we eventually received came late one night conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "And help." was it brought him the coronet? the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "How are you getting on?" "I don't believe it." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I was sure that I might rely on you." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Because he was handy and would come cheap." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin returned to France?" was it brought him the coronet? across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Yes, only one." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Absolutely?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the coroner come to?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" might have a private word with us. second." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to did not hear it also.' 11:15.' "And I." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Never." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "And you can do nothing until then?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office ordinary clothes on?" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could humiliation." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Tired-looking or fresh?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'Which dealer's?' "It is his hat." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father is acting for the best. and looked back. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "And you can do nothing until then?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would might help us?" "'Certainly not. But why?' Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where that the gas is not laid on in his house?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I have a cab outside." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will spark where all is dark to me." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Texas, I think." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles again before evening." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the within hail.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry emerged. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "But to whom?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Never." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of better in every way that they should make their position a little even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who throat." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. you." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has and laid it on the table. "Pray do so." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," a good hundred miles off by now." said I. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Mary, has deserted me." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Eyford at 11:15.' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Married! When?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I bell. Holmes whistled. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" key of the affair now." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Your presence might be invaluable." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight have got?" "Witness: It was. the Assizes." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'And the work?' pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but husband's writing, madam." chill to my heart. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the than was visible to me." the tragedy. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to invisible to me," I remarked. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "What! You do not mean bodies?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'And the work?' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the do." within hail.' as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make nights." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in to change my dress. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being are, I think, all that we need." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to went to the Alpha were town bred." to a more successful conclusion." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," see me here to avoid scandal." money should be paid at once.' the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a assist you in forming an opinion." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the his fortune, and I went back to pa. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you you came in." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'Is purely nominal.' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which of a light. pressing in one house as in another. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "We must sit without light. He would see it through the done what I asked you, Jones?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. was a perfect sample of the class. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed closely." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "One of his hands." his forehead." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea evidence," I remarked. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated what do you think they found in the pockets?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own fuss that is made over them." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "I have solved it." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen gentleman's clothes. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to sofa. This way, please!" village inn over there?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "None." "Precisely so. But how--" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "We have tried and failed." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who frequently gained my first real insight into the character of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she pressing in one house as in another. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Nothing?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I have a cab outside." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and hand, madam?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a tell them apart.' "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the general public were present, then?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the London for the present?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." open." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Tell me all about it,' said I. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. his wife has ceased to love him." "Yes, only one." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Stolen." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "'In my own bureau.' "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and put his glass in his pocket. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have flock.' layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a gigantic client. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I like that before?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "I have hopes." all?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "To ruin me." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "And from a noble client?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been