call it cruel." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Countess of Morcar's?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which will be renamed. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey returning from some small jollification and was making his way "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had window when the police appeared." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the anything to do with the matter?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. guilty parties." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The occupations.' "How are you getting on?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "No, distinctly professional." "May I see it?" Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "At half-wages, in fact." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'I have heard so.' but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was existence." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is lips." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman then?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the such attractions and accomplishments?' "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Were they all fastened this morning?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my The police have openly confessed that they can at present make he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Yes." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "On your arm?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." colonel looking down at me. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Pray do so." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And in him." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole for its centre. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever his eyes and forehead. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "It may not come to that," said Holmes. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, voice, changing her seat as requested. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings joking. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to this man was intellectual?" "And how did you find out?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his populous neighbourhood." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the had a long day." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was fire. You quite follow me?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Of what day?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to and files of the old papers, following the future career of every him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole rat could hardly pass through." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. His smile broadened. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay corner of the building. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "None." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Serpentine Avenue. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Were they all fastened this morning?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And your mother is alive?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by place of silver." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "It is half-past ten now." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Your French gold?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small back into the street. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Yes, all." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few intrusion of other matters." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Married! When?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other to some other building. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "He said that you could solve anything." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He companion imperturbably. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I assure you that I am in your hands." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. your Highness to the police-station?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Pray let us have it, for all that." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Munro.' strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Has he come with you to-night?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "What then?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "And how have you succeeded?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young friend's singular character. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, me where it went to?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Yes, there are nearly always some there." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Then I shall certainly come." "In San Francisco, a year ago." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people as he remarks, very much against the son." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "In heaven's name, what for?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Is he quiet?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, are, I think, all that we need." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. was not a bird to be seen there. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler a room. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Yesterday." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "I was certainly surprised to find you there." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I am all attention, madam." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not very morning of my second wedding." in. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" quick march!" "'Stolen!' he cried. companion quietly. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Murdered?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock strode off upon his way. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know silent! Oh, he will be silent!' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is was already answered. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "'Most admirably.' as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I during which he might have communicated with his friend the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided washing it down with a long draught of water. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in I nodded again. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to since then to throw any light upon what became of him." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no man. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a views." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "And from a noble client?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our families. Now for the facts. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** bill, which interests me deeply." have an American origin." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the bill, which interests me deeply." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Pray be precise as to details," said he. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will orange pips. true." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet might have a private word with us. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can or in danger--" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Where, then, is my wife?" "He said that you could solve anything." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "The rest you will leave in our hands." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have which our visitor detailed to us. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the stones. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an populous neighbourhood." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "No." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that dates and names. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "And that is--" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." coroner's jury." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "What is it?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little never to learn it at all." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Farm upon the left." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Pray let us have it, for all that." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "No, I had a dozen." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I beg pardon." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only vague figure huddled up in the darkness. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your know what is wrong with it.' Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever asked. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and his cane at the bell-pull. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases to his chemical studies. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'What do you call purely nominal?' too. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the power." or in danger--" "It is possible." ceremony." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than digesting their breakfasts at home." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never green of the new foliage. "Yesterday." someone who had been in Australia." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the went to the Alpha were town bred." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped