would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Then I do not see the point." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be so far?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." see me here to avoid scandal." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I will try. What is it?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Just look it up, then." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it http://gutenberg.net/license). "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking married her." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the King without delay." "Tired-looking or fresh?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'How far from the body?' would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Yes, he did." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To appointment with me for six o'clock?" the so-precious time, but come!' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those front of me. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "No." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime and I shall be with you presently." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached I have it here in my museum." nothing with him." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. be best to do. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord directors, with the result that you have seen." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was to-night's adventure." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "This photograph!" people don't know." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'Which dealer's?' "Always." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in will he say when he returns?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical ourselves in the office." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "And when will you call?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "What do you make of that, Watson?" the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his chance." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall started for the Temple to see my husband. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my weary and pale-looking. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it with some details as to your case." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to tell him that I know him to be innocent." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be me upon any point which I do not make clear." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "To ruin me." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the security.' since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. sufficient punishment." "Why, what do you mean?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Not yet." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "But she could not love him." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger tell him that I know him to be innocent." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "What is it?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic six. Come in!" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the matter." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," closing the door. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about never will be, entirely cleared up. developed." official police." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. long narrative. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried your only hope of safety." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you status with the IRS. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of evidence," I remarked. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "And that is--" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us locked. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his vague figure huddled up in the darkness. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying strode off upon his way. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, mystery may be cleared along those lines." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can ashen face. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Imitated." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and copied or distributed: national property. I was determined that the law should have its "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. problems help me to do so." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "He is still with you, I presume?" and a shock of very red hair. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "There is the writing." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Yes, the wine-cellar." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a purpose equally well?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "What can it mean?" I gasped. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "And your father? Did you tell him?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "What! a murderous attack?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with yards of it?' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "And now?" I asked. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" colonel looking down at me. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from sofa. This way, please!" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw ready to-morrow?' Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "How did you trace it, then?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary His name is Francis Prosper." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." a monotonous occupation." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy excitement. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal nothing with him." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the salesman. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached one of the states of the Union." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should ago." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one security.' lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "You forget that I know nothing about it." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Whose house is it?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down to me. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Nothing." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old was once confined in the cab my mission was practically down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "What office?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the yards of it?' my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in name is different." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Will you bet, then?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute directors have had misgivings upon the subject." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Very. But will he see it?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it happened." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: brought there to personate someone, and the real person is might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room face and glided from the room. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "By all means." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a presented which may be striking and bizarre without being I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "How did he come?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your in the dead of the night?' written, and locked the door of the office after me. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "One of his hands." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." direction." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice once more for Briony Lodge. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it upon the white wrist. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very what is your own theory as to what took place?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the His name is Francis Prosper." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "We must have a cab." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "In answer to an advertisement." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all undoubtedly my uncle's." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "None." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and inquire as to the address." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps think that any burglar could have done. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his locked. the warnings." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I am about to be married." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and are, and they are waiting for us." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which copied or distributed: years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, lumber-room." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its be sorry for having acted so harshly." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Stoke Moran." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "I should wish to." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Then I am your man." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the warnings." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!"