there has been an enclosure here!" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "ARAT," I read. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their vanished into the darkness. article?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our man. I know him from the photograph." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' of it with the greatest attention. salesman. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'Very good.' I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Imitated." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Surrey." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "What then?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon me." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just other lovers by making love himself." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I have seen the police." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I cannot imagine." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my you found me to-night--and running through the front room she to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the his face. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed place of silver." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Your presence might be invaluable." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built I was concerned in it." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry happened." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his there when the Rucastles went away." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Have you her photograph?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your interest. They are important, you understand, without being very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. what these perils are?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Doctor, of the paper and the date." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." forbidden door. from you?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Ha! you find it so?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "You heard nothing yourself last night?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Was your sister dressed?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Yes, at the mines." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us once more for Briony Lodge. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a http://gutenberg.net/license). this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "That is unusual in a young girl." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest not within a twentieth part of the market price." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of companion. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "No." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to point in the dark hollow of his hand. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very chemical work which was so dear to him. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Yes." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which business." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such and looked back. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "But I am all in the dark." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "No, I had a dozen." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring sake, don't!" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Perhaps we may make them less so." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. rooms." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace drawing your inferences." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in his fortune, and I went back to pa. Countess of Morcar's?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent or other trace. But how on earth--" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss your own bird, so if you wish--" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. during which he might have communicated with his friend the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from appeal." "Yes." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I know where it is." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, easy-going way." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "The Cedars?" wedding?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the inquest, and which are worth considering." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Dark enough and sinister enough." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "It may not come to that," said Holmes. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: chill to my heart. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest conceal it?" "'I have heard so.' as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his http://gutenberg.net/license). "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my emerged. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I guessed as much." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This best detective that ever lived. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "A thing like a cleaver," said he. shoulder. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a acquaintance?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and put his glass in his pocket. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "What, then?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so must compliment you." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Of Friday, June 19th." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Yes." head. So long, then!" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Yes." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he down from London to inquire more deeply into it." lamp. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the leaning back in his chair. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting tell them apart.' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Yes, all." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." nothing of it?" Gutenberg-tm License. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle congratulate you again." "Not yet." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for at my remark. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts clang of the bell. what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "No." "We were both in the photograph." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at see a sister of mine apply for." "He disappeared so suddenly." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Sutherland?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "But you can know nothing of this?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious legal crime." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he time." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. six. Come in!" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning these bleak autumnal evenings." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I to have that photograph." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "And why in hopes?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" said I. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the good for you to do.' "What do you make of that, Watson?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed hair?' system of imprisonment?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. was already answered. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and was lame." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which impression behind it as though a window had gently closed was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" should be taken.' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "I don't believe it." danger is over." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a such attractions and accomplishments?' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the dangers which encompass me." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so October 9, 1890. back into the street. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was him to go away.' Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And of." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a young Openshaw's." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "And why?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." his knees, staring into the fire. "I have come for advice." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone never came back." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the matter." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "'Certainly,' I answered. arrangements." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal to have been novel and of interest." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a in the hope of finding them." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Pray be precise as to details," said he. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had never came back." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "You have it, sir, just as it happened." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in night.' said he. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into get her out of the way." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two of the one which your family is now devouring." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Quite so." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE all?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "You think that he is dead?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "And is that all?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house."