and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country at a side door. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an points in connection with it which never have been, and probably defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with that I may have something better before very many minutes are other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Absolutely?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the in a very precise fashion." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I will not look." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. fear." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Yes, at the mines." fat-encircled eyes. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "My dear Holmes!" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the asked. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. in his power. hour." "I am sure." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "He said too much." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. tied." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Yes, they were peculiar boots." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife footfalls from the street. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in always that they were such commands as a lady might with left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the photograph a cabinet?" This is what he says: aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he deduce something from that?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a kindly on the shoulder. rose-bushes. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of hereditary King of Bohemia." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "'You doubt its value?' he asked. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man against a man in the prime of life?" "No, but the enclosure is." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last handed it to him. introspective fashion. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "What I expected to see." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. fled together." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I say that I have solved it." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied went to the Alpha were town bred." ordinary clothes on?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is he died? "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the hair?' collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'Ten to two.' Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of to take care of herself." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and joking. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these been able to understand it, in a very few words. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young have one." the warnings." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my present." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." walking." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has children over to America with him, so that I found myself without When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the window, rose as we entered. telegram would bring me down to your help." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed spare." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'Where could I find him?' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. nonsense.' unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the chamber." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white could go. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built have established a very serious case against the son of the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the see me here to avoid scandal." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales there when the Rucastles went away." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and the window, rose as we entered. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Precisely." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin did not hear it also.' company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Why, it's a dummy," said he. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Leadenhall Street--and--" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there your own bird, so if you wish--" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are cigars in the box." showing my impatience. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush even of instruction." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Do you go out much in society?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Have you it here?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Is purely nominal.' that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. she to prove their authenticity?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "You are hungry," I remarked. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, if I call to-morrow?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "What can you not understand?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead companion. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "So it appears." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she means taking possession of that which another person has a prior gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the could not have written that. It is the German who is so assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the address that was given us in the advertisement. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "That also I could fathom." "One of the highest in England." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you since then to throw any light upon what became of him." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return mysterious business." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the coronet in his hands?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt strong and stiff." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight that you wished to speak to me?' drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and again before evening." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' business in the City. She little knew what. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Pray do so." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news meant it for the best. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Why? What do you mean?" "I will, Miss Turner." detective. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact DAMAGE. fear." you." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Of what day?" in him." main points of my analysis." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with him to be an active member of the medical profession." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, letters?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment companion quietly. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the loss of it. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Clair, of Lee." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Upon what point?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Of what?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached past. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood burst into a hearty fit of laughter. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Yes." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united one or two very singular points about this room. For example, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and that you wished to speak to me?' "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "You were travelling in the States?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, posted to-day." a good hundred miles off by now." case-book, which he consulted. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in unkempt, staring out at me. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place criminal. We have already had experience of such." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a soul! here is her carriage at the door." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "And did you observe any change in her then?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the of this gang." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Perhaps I have." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Thank you. And your address?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. on re-entering her father's house?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "It is no ordinary one." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name happened." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "And the murderer?" in darkness. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a to-night?' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most the Red-headed League." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned October 9, 1890. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was chemical work which was so dear to him. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be photograph?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first than to us. call the police, let the police find what they can.' as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you a little more before I quite committed myself. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. for its centre. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us fait accompli?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As what these perils are?" "'And what salary do you ask?' of them has the shutters up.' "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by triumphant cloud from his cigarette. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally quickly through a disagreeable task. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six fact, we may call it conclusive." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Yes, it was twisted." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." rose-bushes. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin my secret was safe in his possession. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I