feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Yes." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in delirious. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Yes." papers on the sundial.'" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, that is the Crown." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, I held the little printed slip to the light. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'I have already given you my word.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" maiden herself was most instructive." within hail.' "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The over his head with a sweet womanly caress. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not weary and pale-looking. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Where to?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "In which, sir?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had said he. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. strength in the others." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible was the fact that his father should, according to his account, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying in the hope of finding them." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself out." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the King without delay." soul! here is her carriage at the door." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Pray let us have it, for all that." Chief Executive and Director possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when room. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly present." had a long day." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "'And the work?' be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some murdered man." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but she to prove their authenticity?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the go--none." delighted to hear it," he said. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, it." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "That you are never beaten." "Yes, it would be as well." opportunities to fix the problem. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, article?" showing my impatience. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do him, that man would not have given me such complete information open." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Holmes." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Certainly, madam." "Was he the only applicant?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, not, dad?" she asked. "'What then?' I asked. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical were unconscious?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the been." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had occurred." "On the contrary, this is the right side." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have which are rolled in Rotterdam." exactly what you advise." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the weapon." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. on re-entering her father's house?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew is so. I know all about McCarthy." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: of Fenchurch Street." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Yes, only one." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Here?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from closing the door. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Again Holmes raved in the air. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Very well, sir. And this stone?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "The landlord of the Alpha." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." past. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Precisely." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have nice household for a young lady." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Edgeware Road. "The vanishing of the lady." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "How did that help you?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and anything to a woman, for she would have her way." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. what these perils are?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "He slept on the premises." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'Certainly not.' of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen considering the formidable letters which were received by himself bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and carried out of court." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "What then?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was gone. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I am to be neutral?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was that?' you." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, experiences." learned something! Where are the gems?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'About the same.' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Will you go?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a and wait." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For allusion to a rat. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Then, as to money?" "How often?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily in the dead of the night?' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of hair?' III. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "That is not always so easy." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." from the brougham. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or fashion which was peculiar to him. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "By all means." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was think you a quite exceptional woman." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." it with his own hands." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he green of the new foliage. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the hard-headed British jury." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "We were both in the photograph." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "How did you trace it, then?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in companion quietly. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of gone. "Never." was feeling which was the fattest.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I have a cab outside." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes crowd. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some *** START: FULL LICENSE *** his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. and wait." "Perhaps we may make them less so." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and attention." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Come in!" said Holmes. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! particular state visit http://pglaf.org dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'Yes, sir.' there is a decided draught." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "And you can do nothing until then?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Thank you. And your address?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "What! a murderous attack?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was words came to my lips. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there returning from some small jollification and was making his way "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "That is easily got." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw that before taking the final step I should like to submit the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his business." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "'Yes, it was gone.' annoyance, but no jest. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "But what will you do?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the are, and they are waiting for us." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a papers diligently of late, have you not?" Foundation the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" your Highness to the police-station?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, becomes even more simple." "Which are?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of there!' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "And on what day did he meet his death?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his invisible to me," I remarked. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss copied or distributed: "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. not personally threatened." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should gentleman's clothes. unprecedented a position." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "By all means." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of