preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Quite sure, dad.' "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Very truly yours, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the residence of the great financier. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. followed. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over my special province." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her a little more before I quite committed myself. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Certainly not. But why?' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of me upon any point which I do not make clear." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, back alive. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying business came to an end." "To an end?" it means?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were a very grave face. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring that you wished to speak to me?' mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too money should be paid at once.' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Then what has happened to him?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Yes." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "But he might be a bachelor." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to might help us?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is garden below. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave geese which you supplied to the Alpha." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go stepfather?" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I came to find a friend." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "But she will refuse." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is will not take me long to tell. fear." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "But his left-handedness." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." I. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Always." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "In San Francisco, a year ago." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate roused himself from his reverie. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "It is true that I have been generally successful." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "We were both in the photograph." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when with the outside air!" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the bed, and you in that chair." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to carpenter." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our tapping his fingers upon the table. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress beyond words. client, rising. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties front of the hall door has given its name to the place. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'And the work?' coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. him to go away.' music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a comes from the middle window." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "It is possible." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I don't believe it." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came keep the flames under. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Well, it is a possible supposition." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be she to prove their authenticity?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. late." yet." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage like gravel from a pit.' that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' in this way: Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in present." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off gives a meaning to it." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." voice. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Certainly." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "So it appears." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair results." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an gone. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I leaning back in his chair. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes as he folded up the epistle. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Sutherland. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock vanished into the darkness. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "And how did he make his money?" be. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "You don't mind breaking the law?" "How did you deduce the select?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. note?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. good-night and bustled off upon her way. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "If so, much may have happened between." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "But I am all in the dark." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." there." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." of Fenchurch Street." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Well." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I have my revolver," said I. the bottom.' betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Chief Executive and Director article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Entirely." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "I say it is." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of suspect him." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Nothing." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to and your relations to her." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot you." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Come in!" said he. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from searched, without anything being found which could incriminate gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Always." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Ample." "Why did you beat the pavement?" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I don't say that. Perhaps." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "That sounds a little paradoxical." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must at my own good fortune. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. national property. I was determined that the law should have its two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. instincts rose up against that laugh. chamber." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable up this clue while it is still hot." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I will not look." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Frequently." "What?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a His smile broadened. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Pray continue your narrative." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that and the colonel ushered me in. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "'How far from the body?' the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left voice, changing her seat as requested. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes shall use the carriage to-night." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." events than those which have happened in my own family." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Of what day?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock During two years I have had three consultations and one small course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short From what you have told me I think that it is possible that editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my side. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said during the last few years, and there are many noble families to been deceived." wedding?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'Quite sure, dad.' the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were married her." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found meant." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it stalked out of the room. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** threw himself down with his face to the pillow. go--none." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "I cannot think." "Very. But will he see it?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest your bag." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. appointment with me for six o'clock?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near placed his cuttings. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing carpenter." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a again on its way. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and