run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'Stolen!' he cried. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "What office?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies ready to-morrow?' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I taking in every detail of the apartment. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and you." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "What then?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. daring than any effort of the imagination." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I upon an income of about 60 pounds." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. for and were ordered to this address. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that take the flies, but not before." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I promise," said Holmes. views." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "She told me to ask you." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at and all of them with the keenest interest. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in certainly do as you advise." I. tied." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided beyond words. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I train.' "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at to tackle the facts." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took unkempt, staring out at me. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the stable lane now." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." fishes. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss are, I think, all that we need." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. narrative." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Nor running a chance of arrest?" or in danger--" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what business came to an end." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "None." seven miles from Eyford Station.' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate walking." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "The landlord of the Alpha." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss was feeling which was the fattest.' purpose equally well?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I appointment with me for six o'clock?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing him nearly every evening." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Entirely." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now You want to know what became of those geese?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. entirely lost his self-respect." "No, distinctly professional." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "They are typewritten," I remarked. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the visitors." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill into the bag, and made for the door. "You have compromised yourself seriously." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "That also I could fathom." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry had picked up in the wood. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'There is a drive, then?' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Does that suggest anything?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. him!" "And how did he make his money?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Pope's Court. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the criminal. We have already had experience of such." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "None." meant." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a that you wished to speak to me?' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. any more." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I should be immensely obliged to you." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Oh, fresh and glossy." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Not yet." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "And did you observe any change in her then?" "My Mary? Impossible!" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "But you can know nothing of this?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Yes." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are burst into a hearty fit of laughter. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw away in different directions, and I went off to make my own closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very arrested. You then--" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his written. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "The murder was done with it." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very noise which awoke you from your sleep?" not, dad?" she asked. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they there when the Rucastles went away." indeed which he could not unravel. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, served to weaken the effect. Again Holmes raved in the air. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Street. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' now. It seems that there had been some informality about their always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Yes." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the But Holmes shook his head gravely. "And how in the world did you find them?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing would apply.' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which written. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Come in!" said he. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "And how did he make his money?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Then how many are there?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I said I. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "No, I think that I'll take it." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and seem to you to be relevant or not." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "And I." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are I shall continue with my miserable story. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. evidence," I remarked. "But how will you look?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Yes?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the not, dad?" she asked. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips important." the date of his supposed suicide." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me touch that coronet?' explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things society." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "What will you do, then?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Yes, I have one waiting." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. always that they were such commands as a lady might with lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "And I." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Well, but China?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "But what is it you wish?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide But Holmes shook his head gravely. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and have this put in the evening papers." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security been." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "You think so, too?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "And for present expenses?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." as yours." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "'Yes, I promise.' outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "In which, sir?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "But you were on a friendly footing?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at is a common subject for conversation. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A License. You must require such a user to return or but preventing her from injuring another. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came had picked up in the wood. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "This photograph!" "I shall most certainly do so." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an meant it for the best. grasp, he hurried from the room. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of what I may call a really hard day's work." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master meanly of me." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down in this note: along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Entirely." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. question. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon you give your casting vote to?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to what do you think they found in the pockets?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which purpose equally well?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "By no means." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided and have this put in the evening papers." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "But of what society?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" was keenly on my guard against him. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to detective. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself works. See paragraph 1.E below. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had ashen face. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and all of them with the keenest interest. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was of campaign. I have it here in my museum." think you a quite exceptional woman." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk records." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Watson," he said cordially. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you in. main points of my analysis." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable lips." maiden herself was most instructive." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "It's nothing of the kind." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Frequently." shaken than I had ever seen him. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity,