"I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you whereabouts. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it head. So long, then!" here." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I fled together." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, as he folded up the epistle. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' ready to-morrow?' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa indeed which he could not unravel. "You are hungry," I remarked. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to over here." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most to talk it over. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." one's self under obligations.' surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To wife's character?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told manager. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I will try. What is it?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "None." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Where, then, is my wife?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the coroner come to?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I say it is." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are tightly behind him. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just that?' companion quietly. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even second window is the one that I jumped from." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Well." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? green of the new foliage. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Pray be precise as to details," said he. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime question," said Holmes, smiling. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too them present such singular features as the strange train of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Was he the only applicant?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "And it is--" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "What will you say?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the south-west, I see." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "9th. McCauley cleared. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. be. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there writer." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, and put his glass in his pocket. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." respectable self." eavesdroppers?' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Game for a morning drive?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, at my remark. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Leave Paddington by the 11:15." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and populous neighbourhood." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to danger is over." business." "That is easily got." "That's no good." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. I leave." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Stoke Moran?" said he. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Very truly yours, the night.' fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with tell me that you intended to go into harness." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "'I have already given you my word.' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "'I have heard so.' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Never." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the the room while you explain this matter?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Come in!" said he. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously is four-and-twenty." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after and shall probably return to London by the evening train." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I your sleep?' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." hardly wander." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Not in a good cause." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "By all means." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "She told me to ask you." over here." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and chambers. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "'I have heard so.' receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "We have tried and failed." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now front of me. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "But we can't all be." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done look upon these things in a different way." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, just ask you whether you had heard it.' "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a an introduction to him?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a there were one or two details which were new to me. But the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his were new raised from a basin. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin once more to my work. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Stoke Moran?" said he. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the client, rising. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their house for five minutes.' "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a hardly wander." "But his left-handedness." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set kindly on the shoulder. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said weary and pale-looking. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "I don't say that. Perhaps." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature and the colonel ushered me in. is now desirous of getting those letters back." "That is it on the dressing-table." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Imitated." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a despair." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in you want, then?' defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Never." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in interested in these little problems, and since you are good and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by seven miles from Eyford Station.' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, awkward doing business with an alias." you in yours." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his distinguish the words: "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. felt?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, him. it." should be so warm over such a trifle." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of he. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are man. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very breakfast." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I hands. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Yesterday." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the Assizes." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the matter." in the hope of finding them." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become my secret was safe in his possession. business." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his the running down." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you noting anything else of interest. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, instincts rose up against that laugh. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, intrusion of other matters." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "On your arm?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Where, then, is my wife?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Watson," he said cordially. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very other lovers by making love himself." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in opened the door, and slipped through. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business and put his glass in his pocket. strength of mind to control. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, observed. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to more solid." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a call the police, let the police find what they can.' hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his were wasted." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that following enigmatical notices: "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Was your sister dressed?" and have this put in the evening papers." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of electronic works coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the is now desirous of getting those letters back." little trying to do so much typewriting?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I there when the Rucastles went away." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss even so self-evident a thing as that." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day him. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Proceed, then." has little to do with my story." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." rose-bushes. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own over here." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "No, I had a dozen." tell me that you intended to go into harness." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "How did you deduce the select?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. to a light-house. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who views." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. I nodded again. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. both be extremely obliged.' "I see no marks." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, McCarthy." My friend smiled. the King without delay." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott lumber-room." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep passage and a tap at the door. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I even so self-evident a thing as that." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a footfalls from the street. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; what do you think they found in the pockets?" footfalls from the street. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had quick march!" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me showing my impatience. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in purpose of examination. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a