"I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with in the port of London." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I am all attention, madam." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. brandy and water within his reach. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Ha! you find it so?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a introspective fashion. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and good for you to do.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." ceremony." asked with his eyes open. must compliment you." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "She walked into the breakfast-room." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. guilty one." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the of Fenchurch Street." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "No, I had a dozen." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting that?' diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do certainly do as you advise." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Look there!" said he. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "What can you not understand?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might cigars in the box." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it him!" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Dark enough and sinister enough." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with three fields round his house, and there he would take his some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "It was a confession," I ejaculated. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" of his shoulders. photograph?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had him to be an active member of the medical profession." giving me time to thank him. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Who was the criminal, then?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "And how?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Certainly." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Yes, I have one waiting." "Yes." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced south, for the country is more deserted there." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the side-table." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily trifles." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "What?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do very old mansion. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "'Where to?' "When did it break out?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham point in the dark hollow of his hand. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "It is solved." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when over here." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Why did you beat the pavement?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the hour?' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" reach." "BALLARAT." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "What! You do not mean bodies?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' chance." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "And Irene Adler?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "But what will you do?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more attention." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great have been better. It is all right." papers diligently of late, have you not?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'What then?' I asked. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Yes, the wine-cellar." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" hereditary King of Bohemia." and that he would see to anything that turned up. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a writing, and yet I know it well." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am I think that I could be of assistance to you." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that my little problems." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went letters?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Yes, that is the Crown." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing pictures, libraries, or plate. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with too. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "The Cedars?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "But who is he?" said Mr. Holder. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to had this final quarrel? Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring until night should bring an explanation. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst himself to tell his story. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of speckled band?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" third from London." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'Stolen!' he cried. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Ten will be early enough." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I lost his Christmas dinner." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your such person." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. again, where I was soon asleep. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, seem to you to be relevant or not." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "You are certainly joking, Holmes." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." absorbing." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough in his hands." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "I don't believe it." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her I have it here in my museum." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'I have heard so.' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who to-morrow." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Entirely." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as horse could go." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door not fit the lock." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' to-night's adventure." there!' my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, chance at all." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Could he throw no light?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the read it out to me." it means?" him." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it side. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little all-comprehensive glances. one which it was hard to resist. father's place of business?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the whether it answered to the description of any of their air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Eh? What was that?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Street. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram a little more before I quite committed myself. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Perfectly so." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution go from here to the Strand." sofa. This way, please!" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'What then?' I asked. business at Coburg Square is serious." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low felt?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a him to go away.' the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he carried out of court." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Have you it here?" "So I am. Very much so." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed 11:15.' Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "What! You do not mean bodies?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, village inn over there?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon as noiselessly as she had come. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "What shall I do?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "What do you make of that, Watson?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished of receipt of the work. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a could not have written that. It is the German who is so What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "'How far from the body?' anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely impression behind it as though a window had gently closed young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at details should find their way into the papers. Inspector every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Not particularly." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Entirely." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was in his power. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, ashen face. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I will not look." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. I shall communicate with you." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Eyford at 11:15.' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you characteristics, but those are the more obvious." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated My friend smiled. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's joking. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Where did he live, then?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though been lifted and conveyed somewhere." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his tension within him. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He bed dies. Does not that strike you?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Certainly." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that success. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "You have compromised yourself seriously." McCarthy's innocence. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." sofa. This way, please!" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, it with his own hands." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Yes." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your touch that coronet?' someone who had been in Australia." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been