to-night?' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day towards the blaze. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he to affect your life." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Texas, I think." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I think it very unlikely." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Breckinridge is his name." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "'I am sure if I had known--' wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "You are all wrong." official police." on in his house." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Pray be precise as to details," said he. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "How did that help you?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "That is possible." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, a suggestive one." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the your sleep?' so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, nice household for a young lady." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "You have a clue?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the note?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "I see many objections to any such theory." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the iron safe, which he closed upon it. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His his face. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is is entirely a question of barometric pressure." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business door?" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Yes?" address. "Perhaps I have." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Sutherland. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. I was concerned in it." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for crime. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy own family. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door writers could invent nothing more crude." "Yes." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Street. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Yes." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "But your client--" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide is acting for the best. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Your presence might be invaluable." he bowed and left the room without another word. "And I to find an enemy." Mary, has deserted me." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates been with you?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than your equipment. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "No, thank goodness, she did not." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She shaken than I had ever seen him. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I will not look." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon laugh and put his lips to my ear. mystery may be cleared along those lines." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Well, but China?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I your room." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have key of the affair now." main points of my analysis." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled in the hope of finding them." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "It goes to the housekeeper's room." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "I should like to see him very much." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "No, I think that I'll take it." "Were they all fastened this morning?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Who by?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Really! You surprise me." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you that threaten you." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'Most admirably.' this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," said I. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant you in your example." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "No." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much security.' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, helping a boy to put up the shutters. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him business at Coburg Square is serious." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Get out!" said he. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Pool. arrangements." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. everything which you would wish to know." "My dear Holmes!" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram sneer upon his pale face. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking written, and locked the door of the office after me. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Yes." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "You saw the ventilator, too?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to have an American origin." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with your troubles." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "None." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several on re-entering her father's house?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady death." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the stones. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. train.' meant it for the best. and looked back. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to McCarthy." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the his grey eyes. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore door?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "It surprised me." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "So I have heard." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "She showed me, as I told you she would." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do pierced for earrings?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but them present such singular features as the strange train of air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I have come for advice." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with pressing in one house as in another. she to prove their authenticity?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may occurred." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all both be extremely obliged.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "The murder was done with it." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a mysterious business." out." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Do you receive much company?" he asked. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'Yes, it was gone.' that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves taking in every detail of the apartment. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. then?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to meanly of me." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one people don't know." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a in. "Pray do so." bird of prey. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Yes, sir." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute conversation I have gathered that they have been married about I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from do." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client really the only notable feature about the thing." "Yes." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Nor running a chance of arrest?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Yes, only one." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "It is a murder, then?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and little adventures." nice household for a young lady." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Then what has happened to him?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between photograph a cabinet?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem late!' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Here?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when ashen face. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have absorbing." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my him." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Ten will be early enough." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "That is possible." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Murdered?" good for you to do.' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'Is purely nominal.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his handed it to him. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "In San Francisco, a year ago." there has been an enclosure here!" address. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "But she will refuse." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "It's nothing of the kind." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" brandy and water within his reach. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Street. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which pierced for earrings?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to himself to hunt down. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as fire. You quite follow me?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears lamp. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may could go. "I have my revolver," said I. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary get her out of the way." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the of the way of danger. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet then?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a