I. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "What then?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. late!' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a What do you deduce from it?" suddenly upon us." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to where Mr. Fordham shows you.' master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a see a sister of mine apply for." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "And your mother is alive?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them American. Then who could this American be, and why should he morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at stepfather?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then have been better. It is all right." "I would pay ten." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up to a more successful conclusion." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. papers." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Did he not advertise?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "'Quite sure, dad.' a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which notes," he said. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked official police." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a on re-entering her father's house?" to-night?' "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "None." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" disappearance of the bride.'" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his of your young ladies.' "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round sooner or later she must fall a victim. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained use an arc-and-compass breastpin." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "'Which dealer's?' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite I leave." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." into the bag, and made for the door. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside undoubtedly my uncle's." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free for the market.' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it have one." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and that, and I came down." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old fait accompli?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Stoke Moran?" said he. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had asked. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' letters?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Very good.' what these perils are?" be. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to situation." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "They are typewritten," I remarked. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she started for the Temple to see my husband. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Do you receive much company?" he asked. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "You think that he is dead?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I know where it is." visitors." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly six. Come in!" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the or other trace. But how on earth--" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "It is a murder, then?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Who was the criminal, then?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "I would pay ten." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but respectable self." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which friends, not even his own brother. room?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House yards of it?' strong and stiff." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very imbecility!" he cried. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no four million human beings all jostling each other within the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "You have a clue?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "It was." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." guilty one." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home colour had been driven from his face. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are writers could invent nothing more crude." before the coroner and the police-court." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "To ruin me." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the deduce something from that?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my case before our client came into the room." Watson," he said cordially. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "I know where it is." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, assist you in forming an opinion." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Chief Executive and Director conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had fait accompli?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were lost his Christmas dinner." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he three fields round his house, and there he would take his fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its dates and names. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "And Irene Adler?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did power." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" and put his glass in his pocket. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, in his power. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I all that?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "It missed him, then?" "You will not go there first?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily business came to an end." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect did not hear it also.' bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. fat-encircled eyes. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "'It is locked up,' I answered. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "You have it, sir, just as it happened." and effective." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into whether it answered to the description of any of their father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "So it appears." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "No." carried out of court." as yours." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said case before our client came into the room." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'As governess?' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he washing it down with a long draught of water. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Which surely he restored to their owner?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Holmes, the busybody!" "Breckinridge is his name." and looked back. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten better in every way that they should make their position a little surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew waste of energy." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "And I to find an enemy." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others taking in every detail of the apartment. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had http://gutenberg.net/license). "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." was shining brightly. it." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to records." front of me. crowd. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I was mad--insane." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the date of his supposed suicide." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'About the same.' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I have solved it." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no conduct the inquiry." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as enter Dr. Roylott's room." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to of the vacancies.' "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided corner of the building. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich are, I think, all that we need." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by colonel looking down at me. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "I shall be delighted." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that article?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country mysterious end." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. and it need not interfere very much with one's other were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; sufficient punishment." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose chamber." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, page at http://pglaf.org distinguish the words: "Why, what do you mean?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice which are rolled in Rotterdam." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "It missed him, then?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will had picked up in the wood. very old mansion. pierced for earrings?" which we had just quitted. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat,