"By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black nice household for a young lady." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes intrusion of other matters." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest to that open window." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, an introduction to him?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the nothing of it?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Not in the least." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple not as remarkable as your advertisement." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At chance." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had presented more singular features than that which was associated "You horrify me!" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Then I do not see the point." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a bonnet, and went out." McCarthy." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "By all means." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Yes, I have one waiting." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I exactly what you advise." a very grave face. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps when you have done it." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "My dear Holmes!" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he had this final quarrel? Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such one's self under obligations.' "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us place of silver." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a and the colonel ushered me in. forehead. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned as yours." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of you?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the down. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I you in your example." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up astonishment. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I will, Miss Turner." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." round with crates and massive boxes. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right arrangements." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer hard-headed British jury." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer if only as a check to my own memory." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, advice." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker room had already been engaged for us. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Does that suggest anything?" as he remarks, very much against the son." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain over with notes and figures. I approached. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining business." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "And now?" He raised his hand. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "It is a murder, then?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, public press." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and was already answered. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held you in your example." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Was he the only applicant?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he villagers almost as much as their master. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were chill to my heart. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Proceed, then." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "10th. John Swain cleared. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to someone who had been in Australia." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was lost his Christmas dinner." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Yes." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'Ample.' inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Witness: I must still refuse. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time get her out of the way." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Sutherland. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, mystery may be cleared along those lines." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I am armed." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "I have come for advice." "It certainly sounds feasible." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "And I say east," said my patient. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Perhaps I have." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I promise," said Holmes. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! he died? singular points about the case. What did the police think of the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Your presence might be invaluable." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the my special province." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the warnings." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "'Yes, it was gone.' "And why in hopes?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" strength in the others." signal between you and your father? and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Not in a good cause." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, weapon." derbies." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' row." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The putting in the horse. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for memory. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am quick march!" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" business in the City. She little knew what. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on who was a member of your goose club." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free an introduction to him?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' people don't know." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into villagers almost as much as their master. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are least a most suspicious remark." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "A thing like a cleaver," said he. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from humiliation." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that it? Did I buy the geese off you?" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." way in everything. disturbance in my wife." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'Then let me do so?' The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who not personally threatened." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. that?' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." of Mr. Rucastle's." papers diligently of late, have you not?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of over here." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to into the bag, and made for the door. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little dear old homesteads?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. ordinary clothes on?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. hour." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a to a more successful conclusion." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "How did you deduce the select?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door use an arc-and-compass breastpin." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "No." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly my little problems." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, has little to do with my story." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." observed. speckled band?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in gentleman's clothes. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a all?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven them present such singular features as the strange train of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought stood on the top of it. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "That you are never beaten." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "None. Neville wrote those words." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come with you?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Pray let us have it, for all that." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is and all of them with the keenest interest. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he problems help me to do so." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will said he. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "'Oh, no.' the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on this Miss Turner." anything to do with the matter?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. charged with?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical in his power. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I in the hope of finding them."