"'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the morning and make my own way in the world.' idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "It is no ordinary one." "Tired-looking or fresh?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Texas, I think." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "To ruin me." "Was he the only applicant?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. province." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "You will not go there first?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Was she in good spirits?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work License. You must require such a user to return or pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Will you bet, then?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of fluttered off among the others. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was least a fellow-countryman. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him crime." "I have come for advice." his cane at the bell-pull. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "I shall be delighted." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, house for five minutes.' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was to that open window." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose his wife has ceased to love him." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "They are typewritten," I remarked. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought results." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "No, my brougham is waiting." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "It looks newer than the other things?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "'Most admirably.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an strange features which were associated with the two crimes which conversation I have gathered that they have been married about approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "No, I am descending." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend there in twenty minutes." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which then?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "It is half-past ten now." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "And on what day did he meet his death?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, even of instruction." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than would then never go into court at all." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "No." to-night's adventure." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever written. and wait." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I am still in the dark." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring highroad, where all traces were lost. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "An enemy?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, interests were the same as his." "Nothing." future lives." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "And your father? Did you tell him?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being "I cannot think." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. lips." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." very old mansion. six. Come in!" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Pope's Court. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The very old mansion. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she outside." matter over." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It surprised me." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. over with notes and figures. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address stalked out of the room. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting village inn over there?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of hereditary King of Bohemia." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were them?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too me what he had done with the three missing stones. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the salesman. golden eyeglasses. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "No, I am descending." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with matter." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I was afraid that you were engaged." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'Ten to two.' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled mystery!" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by cheerful." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "That was it, sir." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I for securing the situation." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "'It is locked up,' I answered. who was a member of your goose club." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the quickly through a disagreeable task. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." all that?" this remarkable episode. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been desk. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB which are rolled in Rotterdam." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, he bowed and left the room without another word. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "BALLARAT." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press that you saw all that I did." as yours." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, of campaign. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Nearly eleven." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could there." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the salesman. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear tell him that I know him to be innocent." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. be best to do. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the coroner come to?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked of Fenchurch Street." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an breakfast?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." of Fenchurch Street." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are whether it answered to the description of any of their our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and http://www.gutenberg.net "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set least a fellow-countryman. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad tapping his fingers upon the table. charge against him will break down." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls highroad, where all traces were lost. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" here." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you my secret was safe in his possession. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, get the tickets." "Nothing?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a the stable lane now." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has to have been novel and of interest." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "To ruin me." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done wedding?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have would apply.' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously eat it." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "And you can do nothing until then?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the invisible to me," I remarked. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was felt?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "No, I am descending." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Oh, the cause is excellent!" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to did not hear it also.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, lectures into a series of tales." "Very truly yours, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Only as much as we can deduce." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst young Openshaw's." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and his face which made him a very different person to the round, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Henry Baker is a member." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. which we had just quitted. "No good news?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "But he might be a bachelor." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, to surprise her." "At the wedding breakfast." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring eavesdroppers?' "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and his fortune, and I went back to pa. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change standing smiling on the door-step. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Yes." she to prove their authenticity?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Dirty?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears criminal. We have already had experience of such." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, know what is wrong with it.' year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, as this. Pray let me have the details." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up sparkled upon his finger. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I came to find a friend." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "No." helping a boy to put up the shutters. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I depend upon your compliance." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "No, distinctly professional." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "In which, sir?" whole matter to your consideration." important." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful