read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I indeed happy." "Yesterday." have been better. It is all right." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Yes, sir." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is that I am arrested." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. outside. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I have come for advice." one else, I think." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of vanished into the darkness. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen to his chemical studies. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Precisely so. But how--" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest hand, madam?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I do." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, relief. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, someone who had been in Australia." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of one else, I think." "He is dead," cried several voices. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent three fields round his house, and there he would take his "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Stolen, then." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any morning." the date of his supposed suicide." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his a very grave face. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the could go. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." I leave." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "But it has twice been burgled." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "But he might be a bachelor." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "He might." you?' greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and shall probably return to London by the evening train." ways of our fellow-men." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Never to return." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. shall use the carriage to-night." once more for Briony Lodge. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I I nodded again. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "So I am. Very much so." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and lost his Christmas dinner." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "My own seal." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." galvanised. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which the very letters. But what is this written above them?' nothing with him." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his him, that man would not have given me such complete information and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his garden below. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms washing it down with a long draught of water. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Yes, he did." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "And how?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and someone who had been in Australia." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "The Coroner: What do you mean? pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the wall." prison!" "'Yes, it was gone.' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a thought that she would have been so carried away." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "'Stolen!' he cried. "And what did you learn from him?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to entirely devoid of interest." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "You have compromised yourself seriously." "That is not always so easy." discontent upon his features. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his business came to an end." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some pity, because in other respects you would really have done very The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he hopeless attempt at recovering them." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with McCarthy." so far?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Absolutely none." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Imitated." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Can I be of assistance?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Yes, from Horsham." "My dear Holmes!" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Of Friday, June 19th." assist you in forming an opinion." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and From what you have told me I think that it is possible that shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name it right.' at my remark. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have of Fenchurch Street." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been careless servant girl?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital presented which may be striking and bizarre without being and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed call the police, let the police find what they can.' There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I up this clue while it is still hot." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook tension within him. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler signal between you and your father? order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Why did you pick him?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in despaired of." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to take the flies, but not before." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the chamber." I think that I could be of assistance to you." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" taking in every detail of the apartment. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "We were both in the photograph." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "No, I think that I'll take it." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, annoyance, but no jest. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "May I see it?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress figure." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 enter into my head. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Was she in good spirits?" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the morning." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one looking up at the numbers of the houses." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I kindly on the shoulder. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, answered with a sidelong glance. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in compunction about shooting them down." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me it." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "'In my own bureau.' passage and a tap at the door. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the giving me time to thank him. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for some water from a caraffe. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that than was visible to me." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may hard-headed British jury." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Chief Executive and Director and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was off." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good down. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers my former friend and companion. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment open." were wasted." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'Certainly not. But why?' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "In the cells." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very with some details as to your case." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "I have come for advice." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. You want to know what became of those geese?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the dangers which encompass me." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the some city in a dream. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing to-night's adventure." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will ran thus: his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'I have already given you my word.' 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which examine." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are