many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "When did she vanish, then?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his that threaten you." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their residence of the great financier. "What of the rat, then?" "Never to return." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little passage and a tap at the door. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she to-morrow." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving definite end. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Your French gold?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with to you." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; instincts rose up against that laugh. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or lamp. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a instincts rose up against that laugh. bell. Holmes whistled. "What! a murderous attack?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my skylight. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do which are rolled in Rotterdam." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "A client, then?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without quickly through a disagreeable task. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly been shamefully used." "The murder was done with it." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. system of imprisonment?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "And leave your case unfinished?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to happened." when you have done it." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'Why that?' I asks. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Foundation red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of again, where I was soon asleep. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently fashion which was peculiar to him. charged with?" "But what will you do?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. fat-encircled eyes. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "What?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." carried out of court." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Not social, then?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of developed." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "How long did she speak to this Alice?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard The King stared at him in amazement. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his hour?' eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' rose-bushes. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "It is solved." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand them, and came down just as you departed. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a gone. conclusions. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "You horrify me!" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his minor matters until to-morrow." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the window, rose as we entered. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Quite so. She has her freedom." she to prove their authenticity?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'Yes.' his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in place no limit on the sum I may draw." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" carriage. It was a chestnut." walking." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." entirely devoid of interest." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' it." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "But of what society?" started for the Temple to see my husband. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. you came in." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Miss Holder?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very flock.' "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On ways including including checks, online payments and credit card thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the out." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally question. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped past. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but or in danger--" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't she slowly sank and died without having recovered her nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." unclasping of his long thin hands. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with matter over." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon room. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at means taking possession of that which another person has a prior be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "In which, sir?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry speckled band?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Very. But will he see it?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Then I do not see the point." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't furiously. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not formed some opinion?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a where she found matters as described by the last witness. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive The summons was a brief and urgent one. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life success. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of shall use the carriage to-night." memory. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "So I have heard." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, and the colonel ushered me in. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It to change my dress. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon II. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Eyford." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely manager. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "And help." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Pray let us have it, for all that." the tragedy. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be heavily into it. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "It is a murder, then?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the not fit the lock." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Literary Archive Foundation case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in very morning of my second wedding." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger and laid it on the table. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me bird of prey. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Then I shall certainly come." late." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the in his power. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Holmes' room. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his and the church but not where the lady lived." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon mystery!" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "What then?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "You are hungry," I remarked. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and all of them with the keenest interest. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "You were travelling in the States?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "He said that you could solve anything." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. was it brought him the coronet? he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Holmes, the busybody!" said I. bird I ate is country bred." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how you." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his breakfast?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were before, for it was considerably after midnight. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Dirty?" man. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger place of silver." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "I say that I have solved it." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with my special province." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he she to prove their authenticity?" hands. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had skylight. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents highroad, where all traces were lost. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP with frightened eyes at his accuser. shall use the carriage to-night." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. experiences." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I October 9, 1890. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite is," said he presently: until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his to surprise her." "Precisely so. But how--" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." ourselves in the office." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first status with the IRS. matters immensely." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her comes from the middle window." husband's writing, madam." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor