case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the address that was given us in the advertisement. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and directors have had misgivings upon the subject." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Of Friday, June 19th." had this final quarrel? been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "But what is it you wish?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and said he. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future outsides of the windows. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning success. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Entirely." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box digesting their breakfasts at home." 1.E.9. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab one which it was hard to resist. possible that we could bring him back to her? of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "What have you to say now?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. at a side door. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought back alive. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker four million human beings all jostling each other within the points to suicide?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the to arrive at through this?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make wedding?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell man. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges and capable of preserving a secret.' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you in the dead of the night?' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what them present such singular features as the strange train of "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "And how did he make his money?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Yes, there are nearly always some there." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Yes, the wine-cellar." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old interests were the same as his." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'It is locked up,' I answered. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive did not hear it also.' Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, fact, we may call it conclusive." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually like gravel from a pit.' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere was once confined in the cab my mission was practically rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, ago." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was way in." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination me have 200 pounds?' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the disappearance of these gems?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I lumber-room." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "How did you deduce the select?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last then?" again." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "He might." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Pray do so." IS "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his back to my heart. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Where to?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "If so, much may have happened between." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of there." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "A confidential servant?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary trying to your nerves." "Well?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Imitated." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "When did she vanish, then?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "'Very good.' all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "But how?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. to miss it." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Yes." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day do.' "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, instituted." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" lips." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had without a word or a look. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the sooner or later she must fall a victim. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "No, distinctly professional." despaired of." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I would pay ten." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had rooms." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was on in his house." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "The rest you will leave in our hands." bled considerably." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "And help." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Could he throw no light?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And will he say when he returns?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "My opinion is in no way altered." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the purpose equally well?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Yesterday." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is in his hands." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a chemical work which was so dear to him. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss several quiet little villages up there." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "My photograph." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "But how did you gain them?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." you." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Then how many are there?" man. I know him from the photograph." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely she might be summoned. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a hair?' refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella hard-headed British jury." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "You don't mind breaking the law?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and quickly through a disagreeable task. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both been deceived." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing outbreak?" it. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the not fit the lock." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Surrey." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns despaired of." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "And how in the world did you find them?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I was sure that I might rely on you." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is gbnewby@pglaf.org his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to approach us with offers to donate. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Thank you. And your address?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "It is half-past ten now." just ask you whether you had heard it.' suddenly upon us." and I shall be with you presently." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy towards the blaze. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery with some details as to your case." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the room while you explain this matter?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "But your client--" acquaintance?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It the side-table." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue photograph a cabinet?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good I held the little printed slip to the light. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him people in all walks of life. "You did not overhear what they said?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the was a perfect sample of the class. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no with you?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his your equipment. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. did not hear it also.' Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the Red-headed League." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the make me his representative both with the servants and with the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of strode off upon his way. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. bears upon the case?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the when you have done it." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "We were both in the photograph." "Your presence might be invaluable." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Yes." Eyford at 11:15.' dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the learned something! Where are the gems?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat could go. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, fishes. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'Stolen!' he cried. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Certainly." "On your arm?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one over here." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings in a friendly supper." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "But she could not love him." States. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Well, some hundreds of times." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell make me his representative both with the servants and with the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat extraordinary contortions. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "What are they?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With one which it was hard to resist. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a habit of advancing money.' while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got gone before you can get him to hospital." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was read over the extraordinary announcement. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "That is not always so easy." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "But how did you gain them?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me companion. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made anything to a woman, for she would have her way."