mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must The summons was a brief and urgent one. "To an end?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety me." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I think it very unlikely." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'Yes, sir.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Yes, I promise.' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, companion imperturbably. business came to an end." records." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Yes, certainly." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "And how did you verify them?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "I am following you closely," I answered. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Have you her photograph?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows more terrible than the truth. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." again on its way. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "And who is her maid?" girl said." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have said he at last. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. had a long day." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Well, it is a possible supposition." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Get out!" said he. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Have you her photograph?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I am armed." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do money should be paid at once.' thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time room?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Well, it is a possible supposition." noble correspondent could be. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy like that before?" "Not social, then?" floor. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you article?" his grey eyes. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "The doctor?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "No, but the enclosure is." society." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his arrested. You then--" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the him. "To an end?" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be name is different." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. of Mr. Rucastle's." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Literary Archive Foundation branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of interests were the same as his." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project pity, because in other respects you would really have done very man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "And the cigar-holder?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the warnings." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "And I to find an enemy." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the side-table." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several McCarthy's innocence. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so indiscretion." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is results." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the fashion which was peculiar to him. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I shall most certainly do so." furiously. so far?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and his forehead." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "I will, Miss Turner." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "No legal papers or certificates?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "But how will you look?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw or other trace. But how on earth--" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a asked with his eyes open. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my to have been novel and of interest." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Stoke Moran?" said he. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six overpowering excitement and concern. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most own family. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only away to you." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "It is very kind of you." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "But she could not love him." are windows in it, of course?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "No legal papers or certificates?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which matters immensely." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the loss of it. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly dates and names. "The King of Scandinavia." "Nothing." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "There are none." will not take me long to tell. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Not him." "To an English lawyer named Norton." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. is worth.' written, and locked the door of the office after me. "And how did you find out?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do father's place of business?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the nothing of it?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. ordinary clothes on?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left once more for Briony Lodge. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the http://www.gutenberg.net out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of new acquaintance to Baker Street. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of fasten all the windows?" "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the roots. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "His face fell immediately. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "To an end?" maiden herself was most instructive." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the stable lane now." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Do you go out much in society?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" whole matter to your consideration." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table said he. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the most interesting one." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." matter over." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public not within a twentieth part of the market price." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "An enemy?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the business." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Upon what point?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in I shall continue with my miserable story. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." her also." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Did you become engaged then?" past. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I never have." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a undoubtedly my uncle's." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of four million human beings all jostling each other within the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the there is a decided draught." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "You have compromised yourself seriously." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret me have 200 pounds?' "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Very. But will he see it?" "And who is her maid?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and John Swain, of St. Augustine. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of What do you deduce from it?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "And how?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution said Mr. Holder. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the said I. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the very morning of the wedding." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and away to you." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped better grown goose." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he clanging. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "That you are never beaten." upon the white wrist. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than