"'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "I would pay ten." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the round and wave him away like that.' "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "'Most admirably.' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called security.' call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one details should find their way into the papers. Inspector as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "And you can do nothing until then?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and see a sister of mine apply for." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came was once confined in the cab my mission was practically have got?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but matter." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by James Windibank. Voilà tout!" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Lee, in the county of Kent." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us respectable self." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "The gentleman I describe." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table might have a private word with us. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "What, then?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I cannot tell." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "That was it, sir." matter over." "Not particularly." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "And I to find an enemy." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation photograph?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with been deceived." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a humiliation." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too system of imprisonment?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with photograph?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "To an end?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out highroad, where all traces were lost. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the matter." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some I held the little printed slip to the light. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Game for a morning drive?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "None." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "And is that all?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a gone. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train of receipt of the work. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a affection." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be even so self-evident a thing as that." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to standing smiling on the door-step. you give your casting vote to?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "It is possible." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other character. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that fear." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," garden below. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even has little to do with my story." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "I see no marks." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. again." you came in." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a is now desirous of getting those letters back." so.' every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall away into the river." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "It is true that I have been generally successful." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And how did you find out?" the stones. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "What steps will you take?" I asked. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Yes." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." strong reason behind." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, little trying to do so much typewriting?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "The doctor?" outside. becomes even more simple." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, that you can jump it.' "I don't believe it." "He might." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That I leave." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the go from here to the Strand." joking. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the quick march!" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached *** START: FULL LICENSE *** method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "And that is--" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' and looked back. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Ah!" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than vanished into the darkness. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "No, finished." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' main points of my analysis." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My gentleman's clothes. which we had just quitted. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he be sorry for having acted so harshly." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Certainly, madam." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the the matter?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." have been better. It is all right." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, even so self-evident a thing as that." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible weigh very heavily upon my conscience." I nodded again. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel other lovers by making love himself." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have you give your casting vote to?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "She will not sell." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I cannot imagine." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I of your young ladies.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'And what salary do you ask?' "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just noble correspondent could be. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at test if we have an answer to our advertisement." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the window when the police appeared." problems help me to do so." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the have I gained?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "By no means." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My strong reason behind." "No." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE crime. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Was your sister dressed?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Which are?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a rose-bushes. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Yes, that is the Crown." "Yes." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have your troubles." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "This photograph!" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my people don't know." amused." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "It is very kind of you." even so self-evident a thing as that." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a read it out to me." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the true." "The Cedars?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "It missed him, then?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "And I to find an enemy." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope what is your own theory as to what took place?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you asked. Munro.' deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, IS excitement. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'You cannot say what it was?' present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, signal between you and your father? "My last client of the sort was a king." beyond words. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." system of imprisonment?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own not come at once?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Lee, in the county of Kent." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." it right.' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where him, that man would not have given me such complete information about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium that?' elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I would pay ten." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all and put his glass in his pocket. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day His smile broadened. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "He might." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Proceed, then." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I cannot say that I have." to-night?" I asked. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary been deceived." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman will take you up to see the machine.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This investigation." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass joking. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "I will not look." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Does that suggest anything?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "You horrify me!" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having showing my impatience. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with me." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left you give your casting vote to?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Her father is very rich?" said he. bird I ate is country bred." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read