outside. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Witness: I must still refuse. out of this horrible affair." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. indeed happy." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "She showed me, as I told you she would." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. pictures, libraries, or plate. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Upon what point?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, beyond words. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Stolen, then." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "How did that help you?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was you in your example." "Then I shall certainly come." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door His name is Francis Prosper." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** forbidden door. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in tell me that you intended to go into harness." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "What then?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Yes, sir." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either take the flies, but not before." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have villagers almost as much as their master. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other look dissatisfied." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a could not have written that. It is the German who is so see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another cigars in their mouths. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Lee, in the county of Kent." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the very morning of the wedding." take the flies, but not before." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the keep the flames under. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "And leave your case unfinished?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At be.' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the coroner come to?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "You have the photograph?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Not yet." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the what I may call a really hard day's work." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly together. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem bears upon the case?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has have accepted such a situation. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small train.' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms joking. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "One of the highest in England." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you out." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, nothing with him." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Pray continue your narrative." "But how will you look?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "No?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." to-night?' handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Look there!" said he. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': was lame." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still of fine shops and stately business premises that they really produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how distinguish the words: "And help." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if evidence," I remarked. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "VIOLET HUNTER." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do lost his Christmas dinner." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'Quite sure, dad.' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the Assizes." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Certainly." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking next day. would apply.' chambers. peculiar to him. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Will you go?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" observed. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year lamp in his hand. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. important." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a not come at once?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "I will do it." happened." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Doctor, of the paper and the date." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of without success. At last the little money which I had saved began discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." congratulate you again." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. to talk it over. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and ways of our fellow-men." business at Coburg Square is serious." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Well, some hundreds of times." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "There are none." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an reach." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" even so self-evident a thing as that." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'Where could I find him?' keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I was mad--insane." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case next day. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Yes, I have one waiting." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Tired-looking or fresh?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "When did it break out?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a hurried by. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the ventilator." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing opportunities to fix the problem. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "None." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an hair?' the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Not in the least." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the loss of it. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Get out!" said he. laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant the inner apartment." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "And it is--" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" upon a handsome competence. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he which our visitor detailed to us. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Perfectly so." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing never came back." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "You know me, then?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Holmes' thin, eager face. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally clanging. "She walked into the breakfast-room." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," you for a few hours?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered speckled band?" cheerful." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to cost them two and thirty pounds." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a posted to-day." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A throat." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a business in the City. She little knew what. this Miss Turner." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. desk. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most characteristics, but those are the more obvious." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as one or two very singular points about this room. For example, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "He said too much." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "No. What a strange idea!" unkempt, staring out at me. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little better in every way that they should make their position a little All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "What do you make of that, Watson?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last questioning and rather startled gaze. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "It is very clear." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "And the cigar-holder?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. photograph a cabinet?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "He said too much." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works