thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' towards the blaze. with the outside air!" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch little adventures." third from London." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the matter." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "But how did you gain them?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I was a lad." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table me. You must get home instantly and act." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Not social, then?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since locked." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our the coronet at all injured?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a and the colonel ushered me in. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Pope's Court. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen I approached. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a papers diligently of late, have you not?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train particular state visit http://pglaf.org seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "May I see it?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His noble correspondent could be. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. husband's writing, madam." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "But I have heard all that you have heard." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable wedding?" morning." would then never go into court at all." "How on earth--" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the the Red-headed League." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, fasten all the windows?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went have got?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in them, and came down just as you departed. get the tickets." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a back to my heart. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold your billet.' "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in held up the lantern and gazed about him. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Again Holmes raved in the air. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, present." "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do through." "To an English lawyer named Norton." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of detective. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had in a friendly supper." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: his face which made him a very different person to the round, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. maid will bring up your coffee." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Witness: I must still refuse. During two years I have had three consultations and one small branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive again, where I was soon asleep. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Well?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive following enigmatical notices: he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked his grey eyes. little adventures." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your of campaign. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. was a perfect sample of the class. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It looks newer than the other things?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." seem to you to be relevant or not." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the III. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Entirely." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "'Never,' said I. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley his face which made him a very different person to the round, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" said he. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to-morrow." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Countess of Morcar's?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes charge against him will break down." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Well, it is a possible supposition." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated simple cases which are so extremely difficult." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the his face which made him a very different person to the round, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of few hundred pounds.' "'What then?' I asked. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the morning and make my own way in the world.' decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a leaning back in his chair. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never your equipment. very morning of my second wedding." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven lips." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." both be extremely obliged.' lamp in his hand. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows were wasted." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the dangers which encompass me." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant approach us with offers to donate. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been do." be. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the roots. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you were new raised from a basin. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Yes." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "But of what society?" into the bag, and made for the door. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I shall most certainly do so." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Did you observe the colour?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "You have carte blanche." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "That you are never beaten." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Yes, only one." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." think that any burglar could have done. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have orange pips. "Were they all fastened this morning?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few what do you think they found in the pockets?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with have had none more fantastic than this." the nursery. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I say that I have solved it." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the driver. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the very morning of the wedding." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated congratulate you again." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "No, thank goodness, she did not." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a you give your casting vote to?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be made his money." returned to France?" outbreak?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features only touch the interest." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "I think it very unlikely." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted yet." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Perhaps I have." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, business at Coburg Square is serious." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are was shining brightly. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in DAMAGE. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never skylight. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked with frightened eyes at his accuser. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Why, it's a dummy," said he. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "That was it, sir." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would be.' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. already been minutely examined." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing to surprise her." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free train.' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the voice. of your young ladies.' confronted him. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "And how did you find out?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "You will not go there first?" "Yes, it was twisted." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both once more. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "'Yes.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of his eyes and forehead. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, of your young ladies.' "And is that all?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler crime." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.'