there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. wedding?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "But how will you look?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day soul! here is her carriage at the door." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the through." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "And Irene Adler?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an became a certainty. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and see me here to avoid scandal." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a of them has the shutters up.' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to have had none more fantastic than this." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to details." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this to-night." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a strength in the others." fear." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "It looks newer than the other things?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "No sign of it?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "But I have heard all that you have heard." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Witness: I must still refuse. "I am still in the dark." "I would give my fortune to have them back." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "He said that you could solve anything." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed just called myself is not exactly my own." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Lee, in the county of Kent." "You were travelling in the States?" "How did you trace it, then?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' waste of energy." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Imitated." tail." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and you in your example." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was anything to do with the matter?" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish to talk it over. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he respectable self." important." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, are, I think, all that we need." Eyford at 11:15.' and laid it on the table. "Did he not advertise?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than His smile broadened. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without have established a very serious case against the son of the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "VIOLET HUNTER." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. it. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out dear old homesteads?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "None." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I plantation.' "Where, then?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no money should be paid at once.' sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Serpentine Avenue. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I am still in the dark." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of over part of the map. "What do you read?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'What, the red-headed man?' "How did that help you?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I have solved it." "I would give my fortune to have them back." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian miles off. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the writing, and yet I know it well." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the question," said Holmes, smiling. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' remarked. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were national property. I was determined that the law should have its passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I am still in the dark." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last 'I should be able to look after that for you.' that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." been shamefully used." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "What of the rat, then?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but least a fellow-countryman. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Yes, it was twisted." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "But it has twice been burgled." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were dead, shall be safe with us." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. late!' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do to you." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were there when the Rucastles went away." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "The best possible." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'No, I know no one in these parts.' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to rat could hardly pass through." nonsense.' morning." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining was keenly on my guard against him. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth footfalls from the street. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "This photograph!" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'Why that?' I asks. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I am about to be married." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which not, dad?" she asked. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" meant it for the best. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed delighted to hear it," he said. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone His name is Francis Prosper." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the I am not easy in my mind about them." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the suddenly upon us." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small 1.E.9. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off name is different." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had should be taken.' London for the present?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle sentimental considerations in the background which would induce so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then new acquaintance to Baker Street. pictures, libraries, or plate. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us photograph a cabinet?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a think you a quite exceptional woman." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "But we can't all be." man. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Yes." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst brandy and water within his reach. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "From his hat?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Yes, sir." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly peculiar to him. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have reach." of his shoulders. out." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for joking. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built all?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. sofa. This way, please!" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. it were putty." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Never to return." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no I have it here in my museum." cigars in the box." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his that I may have something better before very many minutes are of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Yes." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently questioning and rather startled gaze. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." appointment with me for six o'clock?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I will do it." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" http://gutenberg.net/license). The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Why? What do you mean?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who spark where all is dark to me." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I down. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent passage and a tap at the door. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is call for it in person on Monday morning.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Was your sister dressed?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, that?' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two