he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Was she in good spirits?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy wanted for ourselves." "I am following you closely," I answered. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Ah!" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a is," said he presently: so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped if only as a check to my own memory." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "It is half-past ten now." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, evidence," I remarked. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy and I shall be with you presently." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any spark where all is dark to me." bird I ate is country bred." instituted." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the woven round him. "Will you go?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with room?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "You saw the ventilator, too?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or once more for Briony Lodge. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed strength in the others." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I to take care of herself." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or good for you to do.' the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the window, rose as we entered. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. and a shock of very red hair. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I that married her." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of bird of prey. Eyford." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I to arrive at through this?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Yes." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first business?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that presented more singular features than that which was associated "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "What will you say?" hour." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "By all means." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no conversation I have gathered that they have been married about electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to details." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a there in twenty minutes." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "What!" he roared. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little an introduction to him?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged http://www.gutenberg.net prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, occurred." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing strength in the others." matter." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "The doctor?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "No legal papers or certificates?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will with the outside air!" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I himself. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, think that any burglar could have done. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such security.' anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began straighten it?" "Have you her photograph?" side. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Perfectly so." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "And your father? Did you tell him?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" unprecedented a position." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a weapon." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had ran thus: "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the that the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, despair." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. and I shall be with you presently." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "How are you getting on?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had speckled band?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and chance at all." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I that I may have something better before very many minutes are said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Entirely." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two not as remarkable as your advertisement." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and situation." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Breckinridge is his name." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Did you observe the colour?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "What!" he roared. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." business in the City. She little knew what. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained The telegram which we eventually received came late one night daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in sake, don't!" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, waste of energy." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which which I could not give. He asked for Alice. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "I am to be neutral?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. girl said." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." fear." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and foot. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was ready to-morrow?' there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to into her hand at the door and which lured her within their observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted DAMAGE. "Was she in good spirits?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He legal crime." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of ready to-morrow?' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, do." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "What is it?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "But it has twice been burgled." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking highly," said Holmes. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as tension within him. disturbance in my wife." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her gives a meaning to it." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." said he. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That here." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "No." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "What have you done?" asked Holmes. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Yes, it would be as well." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Pray do so." conclusions. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for crackling voice. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped presented more singular features than that which was associated singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be whether it answered to the description of any of their baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a acted in my house last night?" was a perfect sample of the class. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Then I shall certainly come." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "But she will refuse." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "And leave your case unfinished?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "What can you not understand?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "How often?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance entirely lost his self-respect." were new raised from a basin. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I affection." companion. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming his forehead." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to to affect your life." stammered. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your fait accompli?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin written. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began girl said." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House not use it unless it is absolutely needed." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which affection." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I his cane at the bell-pull. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it other means.' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Just look it up, then." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Have you her photograph?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with fluttered off among the others. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "It is true that I have been generally successful." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Yes." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin them?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "By no means." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert him." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are house for five minutes.' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and page at http://pglaf.org he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to until night should bring an explanation. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless will find little credit to be gained out of this case." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the sparkled upon his finger. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to is worth.' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Then how many are there?" me. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down