or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and this as likely?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called noting anything else of interest. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Do you go out much in society?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Married! When?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted enter Dr. Roylott's room." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the gone before you can get him to hospital." out." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you His smile broadened. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which joking. "But his left-handedness." "Can I be of assistance?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "But she could not love him." locked. "But your client--" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one room?" "I should like to see him very much." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to change my dress. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. breakfast?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your obstinate." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "What! Had he lost his wife?" nights." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I have hopes." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Well." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey at once, for I have only half an hour." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, key turn in the lock." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "How did he come?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "Perhaps I have." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was my room." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed of his shoulders. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "What can it mean?" I gasped. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless forehead. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it problems help me to do so." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can highly," said Holmes. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to never came back." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for that he has suffered." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "She will not sell." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "No, thank goodness, she did not." "No bad?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "When did it break out?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a to some other building. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "That is not always so easy." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Then I do not see the point." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial are, I think, all that we need." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Holmes' thin, eager face. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a my friend's incisive reasoning. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. chance at all." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "In which, sir?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of success. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "No, distinctly professional." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to opened the door, and slipped through. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "But you have hopes?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out it." desk. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in and the church but not where the lady lived." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the date of his supposed suicide." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," without success. At last the little money which I had saved began from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry opportunities to fix the problem. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were character. with some details as to your case." trifles." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A case-book, which he consulted. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off ways of our fellow-men." "Did your wife hear all this?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his interest. They are important, you understand, without being Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My likely to be some crony of the landlady's." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, photograph a cabinet?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Edgeware Road. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "And how did you find out?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle garden below. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' intrusion of other matters." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "By no means." delighted to hear it," he said. "It is half-past ten now." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" attention." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square is," said he presently: police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train my room." was shining brightly. during which he might have communicated with his friend the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Did he not advertise?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the gentleman's clothes. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent reach." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It this remarkable episode. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for with some details as to your case." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "When did it break out?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that was the fact that his father should, according to his account, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I will try. What is it?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "In heaven's name, what for?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell reach." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her quick march!" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Oh, yes, easily." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw colonel looking down at me. if only as a check to my own memory." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "And for present expenses?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "'I shall certainly be there.' "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Cross for the Continent." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "To an English lawyer named Norton." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." read it out to me." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so sufficient punishment." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of in darkness. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I had a long day." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a have an American origin." read over the extraordinary announcement. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I promise," said Holmes. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point perplexity from it to my illustrious client. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. noble correspondent could be. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "So I have heard." "We have tried and failed." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the page at http://pglaf.org London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "And your mother is alive?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary might help us?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "And how did you find out?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Where, then?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Nothing." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have got?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "But how did you gain them?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast and capable of preserving a secret.' which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "In San Francisco, a year ago." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" corner of the building. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: said he at last. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Then he might have called to you?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "What can it mean?" I gasped. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Witness: It was. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the morning and make my own way in the world.' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. purpose of examination. tell him that I know him to be innocent." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by habit of advancing money.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre are, and they are waiting for us." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." mysterious business." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which here and I will read it to you: crackling voice. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "That is easily got." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his weigh very heavily upon my conscience." narrative." you." compunction about shooting them down." "Yes?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Most admirably.' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I am following you closely," I answered. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between a good hundred miles off by now." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for suspect him." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "I came to find a friend." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk be there in time for your coming." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen ran thus: "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Yes, I have one waiting." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the a little more before I quite committed myself. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "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 my special province." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not other lovers by making love himself." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Nothing?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' that, and I came down." his huge brown hands.