"It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." good-night and bustled off upon her way. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Now, then, what's the last entry?" detective. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Where to?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Certainly." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. think you a quite exceptional woman." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way question you as to those details which seem to me to be most as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than three fields round his house, and there he would take his from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to about. "Yes, the wine-cellar." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, allusion to a rat. orange pips. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any not come at once?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I see many objections to any such theory." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged which are rolled in Rotterdam." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "An accident, I presume?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "What, then, did Peterson do?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those really the only notable feature about the thing." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my was keenly on my guard against him. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not anything to a woman, for she would have her way." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will lectures into a series of tales." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She troubles have been weighing upon his mind. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this few hundred pounds.' retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our tapping his fingers upon the table. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "What then?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I should wish to." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the pierced for earrings?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year him and tried to hold him back. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I would give my fortune to have them back." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can waste of energy." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that wedding?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Then I am your man." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Yes, that is the Crown." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a page at http://pglaf.org A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact way: impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in good for you to do.' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "That sounds a little paradoxical." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable guilty parties." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It said he. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "You think that he is dead?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the I shall continue with my miserable story. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the morning and make my own way in the world.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'Never.' arrested. You then--" "Will you bet, then?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned throat." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "No." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the address that was given us in the advertisement. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the chemical work which was so dear to him. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. whether it answered to the description of any of their town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. arrested. You then--" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "An accident, I presume?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us was not a bird to be seen there. upon the sideboard." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Absolutely none." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow ran thus: passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his in a friendly supper." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of himself to hunt down. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "I will, Miss Turner." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'Where could I find him?' "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "You horrify me." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Clair, of Lee." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." look dissatisfied." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' himself to tell his story. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" acquaintance?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Cross for the Continent." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" to that open window." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and not as remarkable as your advertisement." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." been." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose waste of energy." business came to an end." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem straighten it?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging way in." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Absolutely?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One be best to do. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Never to return." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him back alive. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and direction." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be make me his representative both with the servants and with the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "No sign of it?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Certainly." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the burst out into a roar of laughter. call you and give you the chance." "What?" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has thin legs towards the fire. "Yes." "'Yes.' "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Pray do so." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "And how did he make his money?" in this note: Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." wedding?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I seem to you to be relevant or not." lost nothing by them." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" to Leatherhead. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "You have the photograph?" "'And the work?' detective. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most face and glided from the room. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't spark where all is dark to me." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the be.' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The I shall continue with my miserable story. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his sparkled upon his finger. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, depend upon my doing so.' the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary John Swain, of St. Augustine. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the loss of it. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly or in danger--" "And I say east," said my patient. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' tightly behind him. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some sake, don't!" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Where, then, is my wife?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that that I can to serve you." carried out of court." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most such attractions and accomplishments?' of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. even so self-evident a thing as that." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of asked. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to be. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had should be so warm over such a trifle." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of awaited us upon the table. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "But not more so than I to find you." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "What can it mean?" I gasped. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts of the vacancies.' possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Very murderous indeed." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Was the window open?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if fact, we may call it conclusive." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of pictures, libraries, or plate. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "To ruin me." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and inquire as to the address." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were