to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." noting anything else of interest. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Of Friday, June 19th." placed his cuttings. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in For additional contact information: "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better passage and a tap at the door. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an corner of the building. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "We must sit without light. He would see it through the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Pool. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying it." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of know what is wrong with it.' chamber." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of drove away. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'Which dealer's?' our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and this poor creature." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet of fine shops and stately business premises that they really down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning on re-entering her father's house?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Proceed, then." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the driver. foresight and the moral retrogression?" key of the affair now." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "The rest you will leave in our hands." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the very morning of the wedding." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were pity, because in other respects you would really have done very answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and glanced through. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement furiously. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "It is no ordinary one." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "You have a clue?" "Yes." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I is worth.' round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which bill, which interests me deeply." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the date of his supposed suicide." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Do you know him?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of were unconscious?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Stoke Moran?" said he. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "It is no ordinary one." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." appeared upon the scene." a room. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take wife's character?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "How can you tell that?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "The rest you will leave in our hands." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "And it is--" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "That is easily got." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This be.' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "And your mother is alive?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "No more words. Get out!" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Could he throw no light?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, daring than any effort of the imagination." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." husband's writing, madam." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of bears upon the case?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'About the same.' "Yes, at the mines." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Your presence might be invaluable." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the appeal." putting in the horse. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while said he at last. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. prison!" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have may have an influence upon European history." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the villagers almost as much as their master. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "So it appears." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down derbies." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is something of him before." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Mary, has deserted me." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take side. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Ten will be early enough." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I cannot tell." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at door?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "What have you to say now?" "Certainly." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Holmes' thin, eager face. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the morning and make my own way in the world.' should be taken.' the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "I have my revolver," said I. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business said he. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "No legal papers or certificates?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and upon an income of about 60 pounds." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Oh, fresh and glossy." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is fluttered off among the others. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance It was close upon four before the door opened, and a into the bag, and made for the door. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, letters?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable morning." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned seen the man in the road." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. in this way: secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "That is possible." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was fact, we may call it conclusive." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of village inn over there?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I cannot imagine." do you make of it all?" sparkled upon his finger. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'I have already given you my word.' "You have the photograph?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left foot. the matter?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no footfalls from the street. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." his grey eyes. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of becomes even more simple." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A despaired of." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "In which, sir?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the But Holmes shook his head gravely. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has it." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many overpowering excitement and concern. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their key of the affair now." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "No more words. Get out!" and it need not interfere very much with one's other attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a manager. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You are certainly joking, Holmes." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "And who is her maid?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "I cannot as yet see any connection." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us him, that man would not have given me such complete information "None." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on that I may have something better before very many minutes are interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It bachelor.' strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me call for it in person on Monday morning.' fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "What shall I do?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass voice, changing her seat as requested. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out go--none." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the deduce something from that?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I lamp in his hand. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "In San Francisco, a year ago." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him against a man in the prime of life?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much sufficient punishment." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still think that any burglar could have done. look dissatisfied." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I do." "I shall most certainly do so." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "She will not sell." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Yes." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital few hundred pounds.' "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Two days later this same performance was gone through under for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. forbidden door. "You did not overhear what they said?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like cigar and let me expound." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. from the brougham. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the disappearance of the bride.'" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' highly," said Holmes. in my life." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Of what?" "Yes." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "My own seal." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the examination of the premises, but without finding anything which where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling be there in time for your coming." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper