so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "'Is 4 pounds a week.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of third from London." "But his left-handedness." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, direction." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he suspect him." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution I approached. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from in a very precise fashion." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that spare." drawing your inferences." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a whatever might befall. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "But he might be a bachelor." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Very. But will he see it?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. better grown goose." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in man. "I cannot imagine." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Well, it is a possible supposition." served to weaken the effect. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the bell. Holmes whistled. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your get the tickets." the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Not in the least." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties attention." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew visitors." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an make me his representative both with the servants and with the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare room?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, or in danger--" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Dark enough and sinister enough." hardly wander." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious papers." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to o'clock is it?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as indeed which he could not unravel. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our wall." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Ample." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the business." "No, thank goodness, she did not." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See away into the river." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you hurried by. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at them, and came down just as you departed. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. entirely lost his self-respect." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back purpose equally well?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Do you know him?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Where, indeed?" "Then I am your man." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass purpose equally well?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He whereabouts. trying to your nerves." my former friend and companion. It may be so in this case, also." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "'I am sure if I had known--' freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" sneer upon his pale face. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "How can you tell that?" Street. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. rat could hardly pass through." friends, not even his own brother. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Leadenhall Street--and--" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Not in the least." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, ashen face. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I will, Miss Turner." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Lee, in the county of Kent." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It is very kind of you." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with to change my dress. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small arrangements." I nodded again. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the one as in the other." "No bad?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "It was." more terrible than the truth. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "So I am. Very much so." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own wedding?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make he bowed and left the room without another word. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the assist you in forming an opinion." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "But how will you look?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I experiences." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Leave Paddington by the 11:15." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me nonsense.' to his chemical studies. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Married! When?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Really! You surprise me." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the inquest, and which are worth considering." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at introspective fashion. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that of the way of danger. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "About a month then." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "How did he come?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. look dissatisfied." noting anything else of interest. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be now. It seems that there had been some informality about their back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "What do you make of that, Watson?" do.' "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "No." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "He is still with you, I presume?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then absorbing." little trying to do so much typewriting?" developed." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "But you were on a friendly footing?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, be there in time for your coming." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Certainly, madam." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "You did not overhear what they said?" stood on the top of it. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and points to suicide?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "What! a murderous attack?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Yes, certainly." "I see no marks." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'And what are they worth?' I asked. it." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the look dissatisfied." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over annoyance, but no jest. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "My last client of the sort was a king." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the Red-headed League." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. upon an income of about 60 pounds." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Never to return." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Nothing." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he to me. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Not in the least." companion. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he clanging. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Was he the only applicant?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of your co-operation." envelope. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "So I am. Very much so." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "He said that you could solve anything." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I would give my fortune to have them back." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in The police have openly confessed that they can at present make