my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Where, indeed?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the very morning of the wedding." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and deduce something from that?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I am all attention, madam." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Oh, the cause is excellent!" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to at home. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. strong reason behind." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new sake, don't!" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "This photograph!" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old bill, which interests me deeply." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. and inquire as to the address." Sholtos." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on during that time.' way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to from you?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than of your young ladies.' presented more singular features than that which was associated Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert seen the man in the road." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your envelope. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office know that the truth is known." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small to arrive at through this?" know what is wrong with it.' The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he your co-operation." front of me. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. to-night?" I asked. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no easy-going way." breakfast." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round ventilator." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the driver. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good returned to France?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one morning." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than go from here to the Strand." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for guilty parties." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "It is very kind of you." was shining brightly. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, had this final quarrel? younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "To an English lawyer named Norton." tell them apart.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "But she will refuse." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "What, then, did Peterson do?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "This photograph!" "You have the photograph?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Ah!" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "The landlord of the Alpha." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the been deceived." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." mysterious end." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, himself to hunt down. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir morning." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Holmes. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. client, rising. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "What then?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Quite so." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you from you?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at I am not easy in my mind about them." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "None." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "'What, the red-headed man?' several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call conclusions. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated one which it was hard to resist. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the that he will be back before evening." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and you for a few hours?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey do." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and your relations to her." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "A confidential servant?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a thin legs towards the fire. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the matter." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently chamber." other means.' has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents closing the door. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced my room." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One directors have had misgivings upon the subject." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting of them has the shutters up.' in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the King without delay." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back there is a decided draught." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept are windows in it, of course?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the very morning of the wedding." habit of advancing money.' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "No sign of it?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property minor matters until to-morrow." "And Irene Adler?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "VIOLET HUNTER." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest way in everything. the loss of it. "What then?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain have an American origin." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It get her out of the way." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I am armed." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "No, I think that I'll take it." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "But he might be a bachelor." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the dangers which encompass me." instincts rose up against that laugh. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Does that suggest anything?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "The landlord of the Alpha." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the go--none." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the late!' "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so his grey eyes. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at cause to be." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not skylight. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns My friend smiled. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of you for a few hours?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, key turn in the lock." have an American origin." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for you for a few hours?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention any more." shaken than I had ever seen him. "He disappeared so suddenly." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." main points of my analysis." was a perfect sample of the class. before, for it was considerably after midnight. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a unprecedented a position." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I will do it." http://www.gutenberg.net "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it presented which may be striking and bizarre without being and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway out." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "It is half-past ten now." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Oh, fresh and glossy." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "By train from Waterloo." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Not him." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable second." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my with you alone." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "She walked into the breakfast-room." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he think, you have already met." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." laugh and put his lips to my ear. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, became a certainty. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all neither fascinating nor artistic." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to down from London to inquire more deeply into it." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his in the port of London." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "To an English lawyer named Norton." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold straighten it?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but flock.' pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first but preventing her from injuring another. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened to change my dress. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave your room." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." conceal it?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So so.' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue