"I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "How do you know, then?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I shall use the carriage to-night." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, hopeless attempt at recovering them." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned American. Then who could this American be, and why should he sufficient punishment." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Stoke Moran." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. chamber." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Have you her photograph?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "The murder was done with it." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "'Very good.' him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Do you go out much in society?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We whereabouts. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Well." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "And you can do nothing until then?" "It is his hat." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door to-night." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a in. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a his huge brown hands. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Come in!" said Holmes. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with existence." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "No, finished." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "What do you mean?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "'It is locked up,' I answered. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "What then?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "A confidential servant?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "I have my revolver," said I. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "And help." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. people in all walks of life. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the with the outside air!" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "It is possible." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the strode off upon his way. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached his wife has ceased to love him." "What do you make of that, Watson?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an I held the little printed slip to the light. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. when you have done it." gigantic client. investigation." at my remark. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as asked. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill written, and locked the door of the office after me. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "But what harm can there be in that?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Quite so." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the business?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying security.' impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might astonishment. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Game for a morning drive?" leave you to your papers for a little." "On Monday." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such floor. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "What can you not understand?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "To ruin me." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Foundation introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Yes." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was towards the blaze. me. You must get home instantly and act." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is you understand?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. society." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the words came to my lips. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was highroad, where all traces were lost. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "He is still with you, I presume?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from even of instruction." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I would pay ten." hour." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a friend's singular character. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Precisely so. But how--" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Never to return." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Dirty?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, pound a week." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross closing the door. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "And your mother is alive?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Mary, has deserted me." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built fuss that is made over them." said I. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "His face fell immediately. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his shaken than I had ever seen him. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little observed. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. said he. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend were wasted." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" to take care of herself." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily said he. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't business at Coburg Square is serious." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Ample." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "And I." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this crackling voice. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the so-precious time, but come!' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "There are none." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that secret." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave said I. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "A confidential servant?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Bought." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his notes," he said. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present States. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong excitement. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master to Leatherhead. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Stoke Moran?" said he. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, signal between you and your father? head. So long, then!" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, kind enough to tell me what I should do." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too use an arc-and-compass breastpin." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his opened a pocket-book and took out a note. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "How did that help you?" that he has suffered." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his clang of the bell. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." felt?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Proceed, then." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the held up the lantern and gazed about him. and glanced through. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the coroner come to?" Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Just look it up, then." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not and the church but not where the lady lived." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'Then let me do so?' hurried away. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right stepfather?" "Precisely." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great II. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "I think that it is very probable." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, advice." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it lost his Christmas dinner." was already answered. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed conclusions. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "She walked into the breakfast-room." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Was your sister dressed?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he it. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "And what did you see?" murdered man." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the companion. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "We were both in the photograph." strong reason behind." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as floor. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Witness: I must still refuse. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Serpentine Avenue. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you in the port of London." "Certainly." "You have a clue?" respectable self." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than morning." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is closing the door.