shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "You don't mind breaking the law?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in yet." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were hard-headed British jury." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did your troubles." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the appeal." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Then the page we have seen--" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Yes." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Very much so." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "We were both in the photograph." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See charged with?" "Then I can wait in the next room." second window is the one that I jumped from." one's self under obligations.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic danger is over." distinguish the words: My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Sutherland. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "And the murderer?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have here and I will read it to you: it right.' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To and put his glass in his pocket. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." was lame." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end that?' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock good-night and bustled off upon her way. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I see many objections to any such theory." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him chance." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on you in yours." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was was lame." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your quick march!" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. few hundred pounds.' in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me and your relations to her." "Yes." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'What then?' I asked. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The is worth.' "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to had died away into the silence from which it rose. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. cigar and let me expound." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the had picked up in the wood. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Holmes, the busybody!" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Come in!" said he. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can done what I asked you, Jones?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Did you observe the colour?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "But how?" open." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Can I be of assistance?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us sake, don't!" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." and looked back. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "On Monday." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "'Is purely nominal.' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in that I am arrested." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. this man was intellectual?" to affect your life." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the ceiling. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the of his shoulders. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I I am not easy in my mind about them." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'I am sure if I had known--' is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he formed some opinion?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." clanging. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do events than those which have happened in my own family." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a he died? which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he have established a very serious case against the son of the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's fatally injured? "I cannot think." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'Is purely nominal.' he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came without a word or a look. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was I was concerned in it." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall suddenly upon us." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others to me. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "An accident, I presume?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his hurried by. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of the efforts of the United States government and of the better papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in round and wave him away like that.' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay girl said." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he morning." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to information in his hands the value of which he did not himself burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or not as remarkable as your advertisement." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said giving me time to thank him. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone furiously. said I. "Always." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he if only as a check to my own memory." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a go--none." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows if I call to-morrow?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "My Mary? Impossible!" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the carpenter." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit forbidden door. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." amused." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the desk. "Certainly." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were friends, not even his own brother. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. gbnewby@pglaf.org cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan over his head with a sweet womanly caress. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been It may be so in this case, also." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is there." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, it." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a words came to my lips. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Street. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the him, that man would not have given me such complete information manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the matter?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has from the brougham. is worth.' existence." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. locked." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "He said that you could solve anything." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel their singular warning or token before them when starting upon and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but man. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Will you go?" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "What can you not understand?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about cheerful." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his said he at last. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she his cane at the bell-pull. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "How are you getting on?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting disturbance in my wife." hardly wander." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "So I heard. You have him here?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Do you know him?" Where does the thing come from?' happened." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke But Holmes shook his head gravely. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, garden below. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Do you know him?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang enter into my head. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Murdered?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to that open window." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small to take care of herself." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and a very grave face. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "It is to him that this trophy belongs." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out with the outside air!" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know this poor creature." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided present." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "What of the rat, then?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double criminal. We have already had experience of such." congratulate you again." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of matters immensely." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." yourselves in at night?" woman." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we night.' said he. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the warnings." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought golden eyeglasses. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the coronet in his hands?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your that he will be back before evening." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the stones. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his at a side door. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town forebodings. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from highroad, where all traces were lost. "But how did you gain them?" and wait." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." tail." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch