"Here?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing details." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of to talk it over. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes business?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Certainly." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of are, and they are waiting for us." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind lamp. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "So I have heard." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Can I be of assistance?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "They are typewritten," I remarked. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa shag which I had seen upon the previous night. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I promise," said Holmes. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said conceal it?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between meant it for the best. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a o'clock is it?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his works. See paragraph 1.E below. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was shaken than I had ever seen him. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "No, distinctly professional." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of went to the Alpha were town bred." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between been lifted and conveyed somewhere." if she died from some sudden fright." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance formed some opinion?" distinguish the words: fattened it expressly for you.' and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried where we are going." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I was mad--insane." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." you do it in twenty minutes!' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'Where could I find him?' gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without said I. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, been deceived." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that seven miles from Eyford Station.' companion. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Yes, that is the Crown." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid instituted." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." wedding?" upon the shelf for the interim." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice that the gas is not laid on in his house?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Were they all fastened this morning?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "When did she vanish, then?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I how narrow had been my escape. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Yes." Holmes' thin, eager face. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal minor matters until to-morrow." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification experiences." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Married! When?" "To ruin me." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "He is dead," cried several voices. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, man. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and wait." this Miss Turner." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." about here speaks of his kindness to him." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" so far?" head. So long, then!" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is society." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "'Where could I find him?' circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the fattened it expressly for you.' dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Ha! you find it so?" "What then?" "Who was the criminal, then?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon voice. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'Where to?' ashen face. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Yes." skylight. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through breakfast?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of before, for it was considerably after midnight. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." despaired of." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." visitors." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Seven!" I answered. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "You did not overhear what they said?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very important." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." gone. "The gentleman I describe." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "I am about to be married." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "That is also quite modern," said the lady. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "But how did you gain them?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my never to learn it at all." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other seven miles from Eyford Station.' blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or room had already been engaged for us. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and skylight. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' which are rolled in Rotterdam." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid them?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small presented more singular features than that which was associated the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Then I shall certainly come." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time your room." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the Red-headed League." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Countess of Morcar's?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I such person." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Well, but China?" "And what did you see?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" think, you have already met." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "How did you deduce the select?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he careless servant girl?" "He said that you could solve anything." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "'Quite sure, dad.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you to tell." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Perhaps I have." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "And you thought he was pulled back?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Gutenberg-tm License. "Yesterday." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed strong reason behind." "But how?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey thought that she would have been so carried away." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was important." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the Friday. Was it to be in church?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" on re-entering her father's house?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." States. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "And leave your case unfinished?" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman that?' them?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and acted in my house last night?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "How did you deduce the select?" her also." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "It looks newer than the other things?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I hurried by. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she directly by questioning you." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm *** START: FULL LICENSE *** TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE had a long day." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "What can you not understand?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement coat-tails." "At what time?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from I nodded again. "But I have heard all that you have heard." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "No more words. Get out!" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible gigantic client. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, who was a member of your goose club." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." my little problems." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. your troubles." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "What then?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait and laid it on the table. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good I nodded again. companion imperturbably. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "By train from Waterloo." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I better grown goose." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle pierced for earrings?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a This is what he says: half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "At the wedding breakfast." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To late!' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. me upon any point which I do not make clear." dear old homesteads?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "How do you know, then?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, dates and names. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem pictures, libraries, or plate.