gone. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in mystery." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down at once, for I have only half an hour." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do respectable self." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by awaited us upon the table. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very in darkness. "I was afraid that you were engaged." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us nights." "But of what society?" outsides of the windows. over here." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "And your father? Did you tell him?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he once more for Briony Lodge. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "They are typewritten," I remarked. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "I have hopes." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing galvanised. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end green of the new foliage. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the inquest, and which are worth considering." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, definite end. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter rat could hardly pass through." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent locked. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "'I am sure if I had known--' position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Entirely." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "He said too much." colonel looking down at me. chance at all." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed standing smiling on the door-step. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Yes, certainly." "What are they?" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Oh, the cause is excellent!" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the over here." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I entirely lost his self-respect." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Cross for the Continent." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Yes." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Your presence might be invaluable." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his very morning of my second wedding." "The Coroner: What do you mean? wall." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do him. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never returning from some small jollification and was making his way "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "On your arm?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" good for you to do.' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and might have a private word with us. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go where she found matters as described by the last witness. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. I leave." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking tied." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "If I can be of use." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Why did you pick him?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by sit on the left-hand side of the driver." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Oh, fresh and glossy." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Absolutely none." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Not I." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Tired-looking or fresh?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell particular state visit http://pglaf.org did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "The rest you will leave in our hands." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the driver. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I strange features which were associated with the two crimes which finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view I leave." true." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the best of training." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, know all about it," he snarled. "None." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, held up the lantern and gazed about him. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." security.' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "On Monday." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would disturbance in my wife." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our London for the present?" chemical work which was so dear to him. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." think you a quite exceptional woman." been shamefully used." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, was a lad." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet detective. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get both be extremely obliged.' Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away grasp, he hurried from the room. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Ample." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, have not had my rubber." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere easy-going way." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted fluttered off among the others. a little more before I quite committed myself. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, have one." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "You are all wrong." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated before, for it was considerably after midnight. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the village inn over there?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "That was it, sir." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Only as much as we can deduce." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. of the one which your family is now devouring." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I is worth.' appeared upon the scene." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Never to return." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning name is different." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who union?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A ago." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I don't say that. Perhaps." bird of prey. locked. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Holmes' face clouded over. business." the side-table." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Your sister is dead, then?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we searched, without anything being found which could incriminate and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about room?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end of Mr. Rucastle's." "'I have already given you my word.' "It is solved." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and laid it on the table. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "But she will refuse." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'And what salary do you ask?' "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into not, dad?" she asked. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. details." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "No sign of it?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. chill to my heart. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should where we are going." any." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'Most admirably.' sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in bearing upon the case." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in nonsense.' little trying to do so much typewriting?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "'Is purely nominal.' paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. other, as fresh and trim as possible. clanging. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. place of silver." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "It is his hat." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been in the dead of the night?' into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "It is half-past ten now." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But newspaper selections." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. voice. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of that he has suffered." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old people don't know." one of them." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Then I shall certainly come." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which tell me that you intended to go into harness." "And how did you verify them?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a I leave." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in