"My dear Holmes!" man. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid neither fascinating nor artistic." carpenter." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Imitated." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this this remarkable episode. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "But we can't all be." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears yourselves in at night?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon directly by questioning you." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian to that open window." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw to Leatherhead. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'Is 4 pounds a week.' room?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life experiences." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I pressing in one house as in another. to talk it over. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord come either from the window or the door. My attention was "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I assure you that I am in your hands." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean The note was undated, and without either signature or address. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in them?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Your presence might be invaluable." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than your own bird, so if you wish--" "I am armed." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin chambers. call it cruel." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Miss Holder?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Yes." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of persecution?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET see a sister of mine apply for." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend test if we have an answer to our advertisement." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my which are rolled in Rotterdam." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back direction." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, and effective." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' society." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "There are none." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "'I have already given you my word.' occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it him nearly every evening." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "When did she vanish, then?" "Will you bet, then?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, waste of energy." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an arrangements." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable manager. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" way in everything. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the warnings." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Could he throw no light?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the coronet in his hands?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Then, how do you know?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you money should be paid at once.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, with her." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "There is the writing." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and your relations to her." fishes. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, foot. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over like gravel from a pit.' touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep like gravel from a pit.' tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something to-night?' union?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on formed some opinion?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most yourselves in at night?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of which are rolled in Rotterdam." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And how did he make his money?" vanished into the darkness. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, advice." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from fat-encircled eyes. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "He said too much." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "My opinion is in no way altered." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it forbidden door. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. rooms." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, him nearly every evening." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "It was an hour's good drive." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with But Holmes shook his head gravely. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." been." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" garden below. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "What shall I do?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what tell them apart.' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I should wish to." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned chambers. crowd. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged ceremony." but preventing her from injuring another. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "My dear Holmes!" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." figure." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "How often?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from companion. "And how in the world did you find them?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "It was a confession," I ejaculated. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "And help." breakfast?" "The best possible." "About a month then." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'There is a drive, then?' but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Well, some hundreds of times." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Yes, but only for you and me." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young direction." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight during that time.' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "No, finished." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "A thing like a cleaver," said he. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I don't say that. Perhaps." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in during that time.' the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my key of the affair now." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'Yes.' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to own family. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Could he throw no light?" of them has the shutters up.' errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Do you go out much in society?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "'Yes, it was gone.' "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater public press." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is me where it went to?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "And when will you call?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a do.' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the dead, shall be safe with us." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." from you?" "Could he throw no light?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have it right.' of your young ladies.' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "And your mother is alive?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Was there a secret marriage?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your new duties?' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Was she in good spirits?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect figure." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical husband's writing, madam." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. him nearly every evening." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "And how?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should attention." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'Never,' said I. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, charge against him will break down." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest conceal it?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "So I have heard." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "The Cedars?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out be best to do. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "And from a noble client?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "What office?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my ashen face. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of