out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "There are none." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the coronet in his hand?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" made his money." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." to take care of herself." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Why did you beat the pavement?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Who by?" is acting for the best. must be when I saw the door open.' again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'Yes, it was gone.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Only as much as we can deduce." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'Certainly,' I answered. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was think you a quite exceptional woman." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of lamp in his hand. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite was used.' himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was second window is the one that I jumped from." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away on in his house." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you tell me that you intended to go into harness." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." once more to my work. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, felt?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I without a word or a look. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his you." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic asked. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Certainly." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually I think that I could be of assistance to you." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Seven!" I answered. "Yes." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the King without delay." "'Ten to two.' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." colour had been driven from his face. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. occurred." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes existence." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in look dissatisfied." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. maiden herself was most instructive." very morning of my second wedding." him and tried to hold him back. in his power. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable of a light. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for you understand?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." your only hope of safety." questioning and rather startled gaze. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Does that suggest anything?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the directly by questioning you." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me rooms." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "To the police?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more already referred to. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as then?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Farm upon the left." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are strong and stiff." "Well?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of one's self under obligations.' When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he 'please.'" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left on in his house." next day. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your not come at once?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with introspective fashion. it right.' A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple bare slabs of marble. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "'Most admirably.' "Precisely so. But how--" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "But of what society?" "Pray do so." presented more singular features than that which was associated eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "And how did he make his money?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with have got?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business help us in this matter." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Ha! you find it so?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I say it is." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and address. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "It missed him, then?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "And how did he make his money?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy look dissatisfied." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the nursery. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this country, and eventually married, without anyone having a deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "And why in hopes?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Really! You surprise me." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner bell. Holmes whistled. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "I say that I have solved it." help us in this matter." "I am about to be married." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible copied or distributed: "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "It surprised me." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside It was close upon four before the door opened, and a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me in my life." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and a monotonous occupation." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed written. "'And what salary do you ask?' however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and put his glass in his pocket. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Cross for the Continent." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some awaited us upon the table. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his with you alone." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "No sign of it?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't friend's singular character. to have been novel and of interest." presented more singular features than that which was associated should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have these bleak autumnal evenings." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to dramatic, in fact." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Do you go out much in society?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but helping a boy to put up the shutters. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "In San Francisco, a year ago." forbidden door. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "What, then, did Peterson do?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens outside. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the know all about it," he snarled. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. morning." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Nor running a chance of arrest?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the brain must have something in it." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." and that he would see to anything that turned up. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the there." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four wedding?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "But his lameness?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Yes, sir.' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little just ask you whether you had heard it.' 1.F. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "It looks newer than the other things?" "But how did you gain them?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by certainly do as you advise." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Doctor, of the paper and the date." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Serpentine Avenue. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To bearing upon the case." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Stoke Moran?" said he. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid It was close upon four before the door opened, and a security.' residence of the great financier. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This himself to hunt down. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the together. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself suspect him." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I cannot think." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I written. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "And help." come either from the window or the door. My attention was assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through