to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "And sit in the dark?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," of receipt of the work. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might see a sister of mine apply for." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to now. It seems that there had been some informality about their though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'You cannot say what it was?' the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, gentleman's clothes. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked is," said he presently: arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to character. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes His smile broadened. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the I think that I could be of assistance to you." "And on what day did he meet his death?" habit of advancing money.' bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a so far?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I see no marks." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Yes, from Horsham." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; just called myself is not exactly my own." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, asked with his eyes open. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Pool. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Of what day?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered despair." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I never have." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Eyford." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "The Coroner: What do you mean? turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I should be immensely obliged to you." returning from some small jollification and was making his way "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" security.' "But to whom?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included thin legs towards the fire. remarked. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of to me. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue outbreak?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. we went to search for him, face downward in a little it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I coat-tails." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. business in the City. She little knew what. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his disappearance of these gems?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I do." "I guessed as much." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "In heaven's name, what for?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him now. It seems that there had been some informality about their opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "How can you tell that?" only touch the interest." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Just look it up, then." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" was shining brightly. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, retorted upon me, and I on you." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we presented more singular features than that which was associated a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See better in every way that they should make their position a little hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to in a very precise fashion." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Eh? What was that?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "No." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which be sorry for having acted so harshly." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. sneer upon his pale face. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, too. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted should be so warm over such a trifle." better grown goose." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." questionable one." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "And on what day did he meet his death?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a It may be so in this case, also." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "It is his hat." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Stolen." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most that I can to serve you." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you or in danger--" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy sofa. This way, please!" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Certainly." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for you want, then?' suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had were new raised from a basin. think that he is innocent?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "But not more so than I to find you." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Has he come with you to-night?" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted IS Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect think you a quite exceptional woman." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "My opinion is in no way altered." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is lectures into a series of tales." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Only as much as we can deduce." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an begun to whiten, even as mine has." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I promise," said Holmes. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in fluttered off among the others. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the dangers which encompass me." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE as he remarks, very much against the son." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "That is also quite modern," said the lady. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Seven!" I answered. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Certainly,' I answered. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." strength of mind to control. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small head. So long, then!" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "That sounds a little paradoxical." death." throat." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from them present such singular features as the strange train of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the very morning of the wedding." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' compunction about shooting them down." "You don't mind breaking the law?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of But Holmes shook his head gravely. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and death." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Clair, of Lee." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Do you go out much in society?" "Did he not advertise?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: trying to your nerves." "No sign of it?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "I know where it is." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Certainly." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Foundation 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. this Miss Turner." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the had a long day." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged business?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "And for present expenses?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "How about poison?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. to tackle the facts." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position there." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the mystery!" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "In the cells." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 way in everything. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot McCarthy's innocence. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It astonishment. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may kindly on the shoulder. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but sooner or later she must fall a victim. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and man. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Absolutely?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Perhaps I have." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. from you?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Well, but China?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a 1.E.9. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six an introduction to him?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Yes." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his row." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Then the page we have seen--" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that copied or distributed: written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' problems help me to do so." then?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you