morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so companion. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "No?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Nothing." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a character. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. that he has suffered." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel handed it to him. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up your own bird, so if you wish--" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it once more for Briony Lodge. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of go--none." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle of receipt of the work. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own imbecility!" he cried. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and o'clock is it?" imbecility!" he cried. just called myself is not exactly my own." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless prepare for the new role I have to play." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a pictures, libraries, or plate. "How did he come?" "Witness: It was. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & examine." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love lost nothing by them." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that me upon any point which I do not make clear." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This her also." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some read it out to me." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was back alive. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most plantation.' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. it." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "You think that he is dead?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" entirely devoid of interest." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "You will not go there first?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the shoulder. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I have hopes." the stable lane now." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "You heard nothing yourself last night?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" following enigmatical notices: "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, me. You must get home instantly and act." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was populous neighbourhood." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "How often?" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe upon the sideboard." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "What, then, did Peterson do?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody for its centre. voice, changing her seat as requested. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Where does the thing come from?' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the matter?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Her father is very rich?" for and were ordered to this address. cigars in the box." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped recall any case within my experience which looked at the first engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it useful material for showing traces. The double line a little I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' go--none." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Not yet." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "On the contrary, this is the right side." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else of the one which your family is now devouring." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. "But she will refuse." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "And Miss Sutherland?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a following enigmatical notices: Lestrade of Scotland Yard." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in speckled band?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I assure you that I am in your hands." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master already referred to. "Nothing." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'What, the red-headed man?' question. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer enter into my head. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been pound a week." "Then I do not see the point." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Will you bet, then?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn with her." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost believe that I should never have any practice at all. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for society." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down in a very precise fashion." to affect your life." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Stolen, then." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the upon the sideboard." "No." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." is acting for the best. "And how did you find out?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "No." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "It surprised me." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "I am still in the dark." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will are windows in it, of course?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering vanished into the darkness. "We were both in the photograph." chemical work which was so dear to him. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy be sorry for having acted so harshly." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. events, Mr. Windibank!" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm triumphant cloud from his cigarette. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "It must be recovered." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what think you a quite exceptional woman." "In answer to an advertisement." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight swore that no one else had been in the front room during the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that was not a bird to be seen there. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Pope's Court. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere matter over." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is call for protection in the marriage market, for the present A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave business at Coburg Square is serious." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square help us in this matter." I. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to surprise her." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel way: caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the house with me." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions spark where all is dark to me." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' see me here to avoid scandal." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Holmes' thin, eager face. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon three fields round his house, and there he would take his father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been asked. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and quick march!" question," said Holmes, smiling. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of meant it for the best. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Deserted you?" again on its way. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the hereditary King of Bohemia." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "'Where to?' him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of certainly do as you advise." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name strength of mind to control. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for photograph?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "But she will refuse." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Ha! you find it so?" cigars in the box." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the will he say when he returns?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "What?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "What will you say?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Bought." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life kind enough to tell me what I should do." one of the states of the Union." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would an introduction to him?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "You were travelling in the States?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "You think so, too?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the very morning of the wedding." said I. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Deserted you?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was for securing the situation." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Here?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his ago." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return I am not easy in my mind about them." roused himself from his reverie. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that jewels which you have stolen?' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his note?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, I am not easy in my mind about them." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'I am sure if I had known--' Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. and the whole place is in a blaze." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the conduct the inquiry." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted way in everything. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Come in!" said Holmes. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position strength in the others." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as him to go away.' drove away. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and shall probably return to London by the evening train." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me of the one which your family is now devouring." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. answered with a sidelong glance. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'Which dealer's?' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch speckled band?" to-night?" I asked. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. of receipt of the work. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any might help us?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger yourselves in at night?" "I cannot say that I have." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is this as likely?"