London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" in this way: Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and weigh very heavily upon my conscience." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." one of them." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet astonishment. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after forecastle of an emigrant ship. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Dr. Becher's." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." could not have written that. It is the German who is so credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his tightly behind him. she to prove their authenticity?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'Where to?' single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'Stolen!' he cried. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any to tackle the facts." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his your troubles." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Dr. Gregory B. Newby plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an depend upon my doing so.' room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. four million human beings all jostling each other within the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. experiences." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. most interesting one." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Upon what point?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "No, I am descending." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his presume?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Most admirably.' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I British peeress.'" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his experiences." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I written. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'Which dealer's?' somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or them?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a a little more before I quite committed myself. I shall communicate with you." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, way in." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and have this put in the evening papers." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was strength of mind to control. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "And how did he make his money?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is upon the sideboard." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could nonsense.' the night.' beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. leaning back in his chair. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be flock.' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save dramatic, in fact." main points of my analysis." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at money should be paid at once.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" fat-encircled eyes. my friend's incisive reasoning. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Perhaps we may make them less so." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father weary and pale-looking. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the are, I think, all that we need." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train desk. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more danger is over." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Where, then?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "I will not look." there when the Rucastles went away." distinguish the words: fish-monger and a tide-waiter." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" fuss that is made over them." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself breakfast?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very be there in time for your coming." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "'As governess?' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not information in his hands the value of which he did not himself XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the prison!" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself bore every mark of being an average commonplace British delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "But how did you gain them?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly gentleman's clothes. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Always." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was she might be summoned. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged there when the Rucastles went away." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it have had none more fantastic than this." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' became a certainty. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the relief. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "When did it break out?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Yes, only one." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Certainly, madam." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" again on its way. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, roused himself from his reverie. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just think you a quite exceptional woman." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Munro.' looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I think that I had better go, Holmes." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the dangers which encompass me." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges which we had just quitted. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: your billet.' and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See there were one or two details which were new to me. But the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. emerged. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down six. Come in!" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Do you know him?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to overpowering excitement and concern. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Farm upon the left." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. as noiselessly as she had come. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Quite so. She has her freedom." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his retorted upon me, and I on you." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Your French gold?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his views." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door already been minutely examined." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a so.' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "My opinion is in no way altered." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "He said that you could solve anything." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I This is what he says: before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in quickly through a disagreeable task. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately likely to be some crony of the landlady's." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your closing the door. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King them?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would breakfast." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, bearing upon the case." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Yes?" to have been novel and of interest." "And what then?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "You did not overhear what they said?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "'What are you doing there?' he asked. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge nothing of it?" been shamefully used." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "None." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'There is a drive, then?' IS "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Only as much as we can deduce." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of the way of danger. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a present." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "No, but the enclosure is." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Entirely." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without present." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and works. See paragraph 1.E below. observed. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "I will not look." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that was keenly on my guard against him. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Well, but China?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy certainly do as you advise." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "It is true that I have been generally successful." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope colour had been driven from his face. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way late!' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of outside." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "To the police?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "I will do it." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much there in twenty minutes." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "What can you not understand?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. works. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which could not account in any way for the presence of the missing to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "And that is--" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Just look it up, then." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the ceiling. "'Yes, I promise.' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed up this clue while it is still hot." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, held up the lantern and gazed about him. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands,"