whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been tell them apart.' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Why, what do you mean?" you understand?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself unclasping of his long thin hands. vault. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I undoubtedly my uncle's." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the British peeress.'" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I know where it is." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I was sure that I might rely on you." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look him and tried to hold him back. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Project Gutenberg-tm works. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, upon an income of about 60 pounds." must be when I saw the door open.' The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. is acting for the best. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the when your master had gone out." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it flock.' vague figure huddled up in the darkness. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive so.' you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his residence of the great financier. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged way: I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Your presence might be invaluable." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "You did not overhear what they said?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their newspaper selections." and inquire as to the address." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Has he come with you to-night?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of the general public were present, then?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "What can you not understand?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Was your sister dressed?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which from you?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I don't believe it." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Ah!" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'You cannot say what it was?' carriage. It was a chestnut." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind front of me. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching leaning back in his chair. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'And what are they worth?' I asked. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, whether it answered to the description of any of their Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "That is also quite modern," said the lady. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer observed. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. kindly on the shoulder. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "And who is her maid?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Did your wife hear all this?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. events, Mr. Windibank!" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "But how will you look?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. was already answered. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Sutherland. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" arrested. You then--" hair?' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the friends, not even his own brother. infinite languor in his face. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were which I could not give. He asked for Alice. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Texas, I think." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'Yes, I promise.' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Yes, at the mines." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he she used." of this gang." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature instituted." "Not social, then?" only touch the interest." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged furiously. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect key turn in the lock." a good hundred miles off by now." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." residence of the great financier. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we meant it for the best. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that despaired of." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the matter?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'About the same.' Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of this Miss Turner." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Surrey." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. deduce something from that?" "How can you tell that?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. place no limit on the sum I may draw." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. was it brought him the coronet? wedding?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and my special province." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased along the entire front of the house, with three long windows to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it read over the extraordinary announcement. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his was a lad." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did six. Come in!" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When photograph?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "That you are never beaten." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO attention." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is train.' "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Not in the least." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about like that before?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do in him." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case point in the dark hollow of his hand. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "In answer to an advertisement." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Yes, sir." it right.' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. front of me. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "One of his hands." "Whose house is it?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I sooner or later she must fall a victim. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Count Von Kramm." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer writers could invent nothing more crude." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips fattened it expressly for you.' He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my I have it here in my museum." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we not use it unless it is absolutely needed." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "One?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose him to be an active member of the medical profession." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Pray do so." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "This concluded the examination of the witness." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person his face which made him a very different person to the round, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "My last client of the sort was a king." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "And now?" He raised his hand. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" a little more before I quite committed myself. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." could go. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, DAMAGE. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I so far?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'I have already given you my word.' "Frequently." she might be summoned. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Yes." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. out of this horrible affair." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Ah!" "But your client--" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I will, Miss Turner." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "'What do you call purely nominal?' safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss I have it here in my museum." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." of Fenchurch Street." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Project Gutenberg-tm works. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "My stepfather's business papers." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the Red-headed League." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Yes." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'I shall certainly be there.' of his shoulders. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "The doctor?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." me. You must get home instantly and act." key of the affair now." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will during the last few years, and there are many noble families to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a hereditary King of Bohemia." fait accompli?" "No." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Yes." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "A confidential servant?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is to a light-house. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of footfalls from the street. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But