to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the you?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few your most interesting statement." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the Assizes." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" October 9, 1890. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. I nodded again. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." hurried away. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper voice. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Very. But will he see it?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the behind me. man. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "That is possible." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I chair. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "We have tried and failed." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of back alive. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Never.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "You have but to name it." delirious. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "You have but to name it." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." leave you to your papers for a little." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I have my revolver," said I. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Come in!" said he. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "No legal papers or certificates?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and particular state visit http://pglaf.org prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." highly," said Holmes. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he guilty one." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to your bag." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there fluttered off among the others. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every to a light-house. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Breckinridge is his name." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then morning." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Frequently." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." upon the white wrist. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Pope's Court. "One?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after outsides of the windows. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more obstinate." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "That is unusual in a young girl." some city in a dream. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most we went to search for him, face downward in a little is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to all that?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "And leave your case unfinished?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and a shock of very red hair. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. next day. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's affection." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "What have you to say now?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "It is possible." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "'Yes.' problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and geese which you supplied to the Alpha." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to was a perfect sample of the class. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "A confidential servant?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Why did you beat the pavement?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a passage and a tap at the door. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between is worth.' conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of read over the extraordinary announcement. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your to change my dress. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "In which, sir?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between a monotonous occupation." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our yet." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are showing my impatience. as noiselessly as she had come. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement bachelor.' been with you?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, developed." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with your only hope of safety." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, power." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "And you thought he was pulled back?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that so far?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "No." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he some terrible trap for her." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Nearly eleven." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both take the flies, but not before." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but must be when I saw the door open.' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "How did he come?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Project Gutenberg-tm works. "It is no ordinary one." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a four million human beings all jostling each other within the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the unprofitable." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes of this gang." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty whether it answered to the description of any of their higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "This photograph!" his knees, staring into the fire. "Yes." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' my little problems." "And how in the world did you find them?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the side-table." he bowed and left the room without another word. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed disappearance of the bride.'" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. ashen face. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I some terrible trap for her." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out has little to do with my story." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you disappearance of these gems?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it not, dad?" she asked. emerged. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached which it had come upon my father." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. second." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "But what harm can there be in that?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'Certainly not.' explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "What?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am nice household for a young lady." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'I have already given you my word.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, learned something! Where are the gems?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Then I am your man." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "How did he come?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you placed his cuttings. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident your room." "But you have hopes?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and families. Now for the facts. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The that?' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see forehead. remarked. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the it." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever disappearance of the bride.'" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" business?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "What do you mean?" some water from a caraffe. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "And I." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Well, but China?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is troubles have been weighing upon his mind. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "By no means." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Yes." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, to surprise her." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and keep the flames under. knowledge of the world." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help opened the door, and slipped through. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Never to return." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened and looked back. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided place of silver." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I fear not." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Certainly." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Then how many are there?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Henry Baker is a member." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious held up the lantern and gazed about him. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias sake, don't!" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who streets until we emerged into Farrington Street.