the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "That is possible." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle felt the room to be a little close.' take the flies, but not before." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I one's self under obligations.' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I don't believe it." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I views." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very bonnet, and went out." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at there was no need for father to know." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'Why that?' I asks. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found speckled band?" "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. strong reason behind." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "At the wedding breakfast." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, a room. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "You horrify me." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's was it brought him the coronet? did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong thirty. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "'What then?' I asked. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." three of the beryls in it, was missing. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face looking up at the numbers of the houses." words came to my lips. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the with you alone." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. my friend's incisive reasoning. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the warnings." know that the truth is known." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no see me here to avoid scandal." beyond words. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the meanly of me." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "What have you to say now?" think you a quite exceptional woman." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." acquaintance?" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily helping a boy to put up the shutters. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Street. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding of his shoulders. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and it need not interfere very much with one's other firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly cheerful." face and glided from the room. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Absolutely?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." with you alone." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "A confidential servant?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and forecastle of an emigrant ship. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was have got?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "What then?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, made him keep the appointment." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the ceiling. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed next day. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin miles off. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "You will not go there first?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that desk. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what mysterious business." "The rest you will leave in our hands." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until unkempt, staring out at me. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with it right.' bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in thought that she would have been so carried away." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each late." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at this truth that in these little records of our cases which you is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his could not account in any way for the presence of the missing is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Was he the only applicant?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I am about to be married." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." has little to do with my story." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "What steps will you take?" I asked. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Which surely he restored to their owner?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Absolutely?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a works. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the you in yours." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Holmes. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "I would give my fortune to have them back." whether it answered to the description of any of their can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. It may be so in this case, also." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" would apply.' in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the to-morrow." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem it right.' either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most know all about it," he snarled. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "How many? I don't know." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that open." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "But it has twice been burgled." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I assure you that I am in your hands." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "And Irene Adler?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I colonel looking down at me. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated your billet.' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I directly by questioning you." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had this truth that in these little records of our cases which you this man was intellectual?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the coronet in his hand?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he people don't know." despaired of." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in page at http://pglaf.org foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Perhaps I have." "Witness: I must still refuse. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems my secret was safe in his possession. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I came to find a friend." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the address that was given us in the advertisement. "I have my revolver," said I. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the room while you explain this matter?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his read over the extraordinary announcement. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with are windows in it, of course?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an putting in the horse. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at is," said he presently: protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the entirely devoid of interest." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the driver. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." 1.F. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the salesman. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This wedding?" "Was he the only applicant?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which father's place of business?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. when you have done it." particular state visit http://pglaf.org have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," business in the City. She little knew what. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "How do you know, then?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "And it is--" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to that you can jump it.' We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all any little problem which you may submit to me." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Game for a morning drive?" it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag have accepted such a situation. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Yes, I promise.' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "That also I could fathom." "Well, it is a possible supposition." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "But his lameness?" "'Stolen!' he cried. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round in this way: muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the salesman. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we your Highness to the police-station?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would pressing in one house as in another. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I would give my fortune to have them back." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm to talk it over. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "But you were on a friendly footing?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence During two years I have had three consultations and one small developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, so far?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we point in the dark hollow of his hand. "I say that I have solved it." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet happened." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The perplexity from it to my illustrious client. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "What of the rat, then?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Holmes' room. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the ventilator." "He said that you could solve anything." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "It looks newer than the other things?" not personally threatened." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Well?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I this man was intellectual?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Was she in good spirits?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'Never.' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses foot. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at point our research must commence, and we will begin it by matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for gentleman's clothes. "The King of Scandinavia." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the nothing with him." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, then?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, bled considerably." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the could gather together that I was able to avert another public transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Nearly eleven." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here enough to aid us in our search." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?"