"The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That been deceived." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so that there was nothing in it, after all." helping a boy to put up the shutters. three of the beryls in it, was missing. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. acted in my house last night?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. British peeress.'" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we chill to my heart. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Pope's Court. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Stolen, then." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "In heaven's name, what for?" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able front of the hall door has given its name to the place. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "You were travelling in the States?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. jewels which you have stolen?' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Then I can wait in the next room." footfalls from the street. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Just look it up, then." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "And how have you succeeded?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' might help us?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Here?" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have dramatic, in fact." and all of them with the keenest interest. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel your bag." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "My dear Holmes!" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes did not hear it also.' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste a very grave face. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the matter?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "An enemy?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which stood on the top of it. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." in this note: across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Yes, sir." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the cup of tea. Edgeware Road. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "You know me, then?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "And Irene Adler?" 1.E.9. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the beyond words. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Ten will be early enough." these bleak autumnal evenings." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Holmes." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Absolutely?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must and a shock of very red hair. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and gigantic client. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Of what?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." article?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first comes from the middle window." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Certainly." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. gbnewby@pglaf.org copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "But how did you gain them?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" possible that we could bring him back to her? made him keep the appointment." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge knowledge of the world." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "None." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on of your young ladies.' "Yes, at the mines." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "'How far from the body?' though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'Is 4 pounds a week.' some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I families. Now for the facts. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Precisely." "Very much so." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what time." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear made his money." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built that I can to serve you." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I was sure that I might rely on you." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and the church but not where the lady lived." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him recall any case within my experience which looked at the first thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. read it out to me." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "If so, much may have happened between." politicians who had been sent down from the North. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, few hundred pounds.' "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "But his lameness?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, against a man in the prime of life?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Yes." "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Have you it here?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the Red-headed League." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, one's self under obligations.' and capable of preserving a secret.' husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his is entirely a question of barometric pressure." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight it means?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, get the tickets." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not he died? away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the following enigmatical notices: "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Well, but China?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a on in his house." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." chair. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees I nodded to show that I had heard. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking jewels which you have stolen?' papers on the sundial.'" yet." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what the bed, and you in that chair." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by was a lad." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "'What, the red-headed man?' and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "10th. John Swain cleared. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if in. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "'In my own bureau.' examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She yards of it?' lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Do you go out much in society?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "What is it, then--a fire?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "My own seal." Sutherland. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Certainly." in darkness. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" there!' should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Yes." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the room while you explain this matter?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to forecastle of an emigrant ship. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "And why?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Yes." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of awkward doing business with an alias." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "My dear Holmes!" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I was certainly surprised to find you there." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up green of the new foliage. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. or in danger--" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. never came back." is a common subject for conversation. "In the cells." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "And leave your case unfinished?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt recover the gem." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an that you wished to speak to me?' child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Frequently." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it generous with you in money matters.' the warnings." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt to-night?" I asked. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Nothing." "And leave your case unfinished?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Have you good authority for what you say?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was again." not within a twentieth part of the market price." "By no means." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped entirely lost his self-respect." visitors." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge just ask you whether you had heard it.' without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Yes." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with