previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and rooms." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. passage and a tap at the door. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." people in all walks of life. again on its way. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Really! You surprise me." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the guilty parties." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had writer." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now might have a private word with us. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "VIOLET HUNTER." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE go--none." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the morning." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, be best to do. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic seem to you to be relevant or not." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which whatever might befall. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are ready to-morrow?' by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only get her out of the way." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The business?" bill, which interests me deeply." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying distinguish the words: with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you were new raised from a basin. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to horse could go." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Yes." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and with her." danger is over." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked sooner or later she must fall a victim. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the room while you explain this matter?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch down from London to inquire more deeply into it." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried anything to do with the matter?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "She walked into the breakfast-room." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning she has been waylaid. There has been no result." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "You think so, too?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" you give your casting vote to?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' problems help me to do so." waste of energy." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His points to suicide?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." might have a private word with us. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about unprofitable." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I your troubles." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed row." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I cannot as yet see any connection." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may think that he is innocent?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It putting in the horse. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and know what is wrong with it.' chair. like gravel from a pit.' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. comes from the middle window." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came compunction about shooting them down." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Yes." without a word or a look. you, my dear young lady?' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob James Windibank. Voilà tout!" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting had formerly been in part my own. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had delirious. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "But your client--" existence." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we you in yours." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not tightly behind him. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." see me here to avoid scandal." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Get out!" said he. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with imbecility!" he cried. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I should be immensely obliged to you." depend upon my doing so.' "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He digesting their breakfasts at home." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' enter into my head. "I am following you closely," I answered. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake away into the river." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling memory. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella to arrive at through this?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "None." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Does that suggest anything?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their who was a member of your goose club." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "On your arm?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Where did he live, then?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." was already answered. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before row." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled you." but preventing her from injuring another. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "How did you deduce the select?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and in a very precise fashion." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office friend's singular character. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Of Friday, June 19th." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Just look it up, then." that?' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric thirty. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "That was it, sir." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "You have the photograph?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "You forget that I know nothing about it." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my James Windibank. Voilà tout!" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was presume?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the you came in." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "By all means." have not had my rubber." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of memory. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no in this way: "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. business at Coburg Square is serious." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest very old mansion. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the roots. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his be best to do. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" it. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "No, thank goodness, she did not." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I cannot imagine." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a and the colonel ushered me in. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in such attractions and accomplishments?' be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural to me. "Very truly yours, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "But I am all in the dark." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I should wish to." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of what do you think they found in the pockets?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. notes," he said. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little and all of them with the keenest interest. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang me where it went to?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking occupations.' Holmes' thin, eager face. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and looked back. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips had formerly been in part my own. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering if I call to-morrow?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given American. Then who could this American be, and why should he sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is before, for it was considerably after midnight. I held the little printed slip to the light. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his hour?' would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a hurried away. behind me. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. whole matter to your consideration." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "'And the work?' re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two you." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. beg that you will break it off." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked and all of them with the keenest interest. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his to-night?" I asked. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have of a light. "I will try. What is it?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." said he. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and wait." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "What then?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, more solid." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic gone. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I say that I have solved it." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'Certainly,' I answered. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "To ruin me." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in is acting for the best.