the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** to tell." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged that he has suffered." point in the dark hollow of his hand. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the coronet in his hands?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. my room." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "It is possible." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "A thing like a cleaver," said he. better grown goose." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important entirely lost his self-respect." your billet.' "'Stolen!' he cried. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told enough to aid us in our search." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "And how did you verify them?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to reach." as this. Pray let me have the details." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry come either from the window or the door. My attention was state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted security.' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'Certainly not. But why?' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "No good news?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Pray do so." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "What! a murderous attack?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" thirty. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" quite distinctive." strength." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed province." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal invisible to me," I remarked. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the coroner come to?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him something of him before." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon it." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let already been minutely examined." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching over here." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that some terrible trap for her." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Then I shall certainly come." "Tired-looking or fresh?" Holmes. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on absorbing." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "So I heard. You have him here?" tear off another piece?' police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I came to find a friend." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train tell me that you intended to go into harness." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking present." "'I have heard so.' at my remark. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me a little more before I quite committed myself. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, you." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must detained." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California at home. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Well, it is a possible supposition." "I have seen the police." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much really the only notable feature about the thing." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the kind enough to tell me what I should do." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the house with me." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, followed. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I had died away into the silence from which it rose. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that once more on the important position which you have been fortunate In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the there." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards village inn over there?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still off." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to our word." "And why?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love system of imprisonment?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Did you observe the colour?" companion. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in you." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "I should be immensely obliged to you." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "How many? I don't know." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their astonishment. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "You know me, then?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'Certainly not.' society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "If I can be of use." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a into her hand at the door and which lured her within their accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, late!' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and excitement. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm cause to be." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. 1.E.9. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear be.' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is away into the river." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a young Openshaw's." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still way in everything. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Perhaps I have." three of the beryls in it, was missing. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish papers." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to little adventures." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual page at http://pglaf.org expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "But you can know nothing of this?" you." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and constraint." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet really the only notable feature about the thing." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering interested in these little problems, and since you are good "What do you mean?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man them, and came down just as you departed. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon bears upon the case?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "So I have heard." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor legal crime." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the matter?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at appeared upon the scene." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" conceal it?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your awaited us upon the table. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Where, then?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you hour." very old mansion. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. present." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed new acquaintance to Baker Street. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. I. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "But how?" bears upon the case?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then himself to tell his story. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange strength in the others." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Perhaps we may make them less so." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Not I." Lee, in the county of Kent." "'Yes, sir.' hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Was she in good spirits?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. everything which you would wish to know." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Pope's Court. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "So I am. Very much so." opportunities to fix the problem. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with papers diligently of late, have you not?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that she has been waylaid. There has been no result." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Foundation nonsense.' Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a his face. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before article?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice problems help me to do so." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of affair. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'In my own bureau.' have I gained?" drawing your inferences." cause to be." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "'Never.' Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of