and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Never." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the room while you explain this matter?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone third from London." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the loss of it. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even second window is the one that I jumped from." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding straighten it?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between was it brought him the coronet? brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "In heaven's name, what for?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given get the tickets." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "I never have." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Then, how do you know?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love all-comprehensive glances. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very The note was undated, and without either signature or address. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, entirely devoid of interest." your troubles." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you gone. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Nothing?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'There is a drive, then?' of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "It may not come to that," said Holmes. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large until night should bring an explanation. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this young Openshaw's." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked rat could hardly pass through." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and inquire as to the address." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Your French gold?" to tell." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "How long did she speak to this Alice?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had yourselves in at night?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to searched, without anything being found which could incriminate open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had morning." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "But you have hopes?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the general public were present, then?" but preventing her from injuring another. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "You have a clue?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I this as likely?" "It surprised me." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his frequently gained my first real insight into the character of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "That is unusual in a young girl." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as became a certainty. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. as he remarks, very much against the son." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste matter." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "And on what day did he meet his death?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that imbecility!" he cried. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "My stepfather's business papers." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "In what way?" asked Holmes. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." you." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the towards the blaze. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place a room. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Perhaps I have." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Precisely so. But how--" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I which we had just quitted. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Nearly eleven." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only present." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but carriage. It was a chestnut." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of not as remarkable as your advertisement." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "At the wedding breakfast." "None." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of from you?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for affection." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the feature." away into the river." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" maid will bring up your coffee." she to prove their authenticity?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the go from here to the Strand." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers window when the police appeared." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the a good hundred miles off by now." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'Which dealer's?' One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." question," said Holmes, smiling. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As you?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it answer." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated your own bird, so if you wish--" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. disappearance of these gems?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you suddenly upon us." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from back to my heart. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, you." "You have but to name it." with you alone." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Was there a secret marriage?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the hands. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "What of the rat, then?" McCarthy." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" them?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over fuss that is made over them." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be drove away. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him point our research must commence, and we will begin it by number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "And I to find an enemy." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that distance from the station, and there we found the young lady fattened it expressly for you.' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and a shock of very red hair. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction The police have openly confessed that they can at present make with some details as to your case." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only The note was undated, and without either signature or address. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'And the work?' hardly wander." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "How did you deduce the select?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from electronic works "The landlord of the Alpha." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. to me. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a gentleman's clothes. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have later, upon the night of May 2nd." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "10th. John Swain cleared. true." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Did you become engaged then?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to showing my impatience. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked ashen face. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who tail." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "You have it, sir, just as it happened." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since triumphant cloud from his cigarette. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it delirious. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help relation between them, and what the object of his repeated There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a persecution?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Holmes, the busybody!" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at in his power. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "And leave your case unfinished?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I will get her to show me." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is bachelor.' like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, seen the man in the road." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly once more on the important position which you have been fortunate but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to remarked. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a hands. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her tightly behind him. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Yes, certainly." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him I held the little printed slip to the light. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must see a sister of mine apply for." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the in my life." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked better in every way that they should make their position a little with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." think you a quite exceptional woman." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "'I have already given you my word.' "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. address. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty despair."