All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back before, for it was considerably after midnight. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend asked. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no drove away. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual least a most suspicious remark." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the intrusion of other matters." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Could he throw no light?" appeared upon the scene." his eyes and forehead. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "On the contrary, this is the right side." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "By no means." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. neither fascinating nor artistic." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and envelope. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations girl said." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, be. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Perhaps we may make them less so." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" gives a meaning to it." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall pound a week." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my approach us with offers to donate. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I present." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some It may be so in this case, also." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The silent! Oh, he will be silent!' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right records." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." bird of prey. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "'I shall certainly be there.' to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer sit on the left-hand side of the driver." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Have you her photograph?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Pray be precise as to details," said he. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "And what did you learn from him?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "It was an hour's good drive." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect these bleak autumnal evenings." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "One?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "The rest you will leave in our hands." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Only as much as we can deduce." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, closing the door. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Yes, sir." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the arrested. You then--" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough in a very precise fashion." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an will not take me long to tell. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a cigar and let me expound." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I anything to do with the matter?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, bill, which interests me deeply." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "You did not overhear what they said?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." nothing with him." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. I nodded to show that I had heard. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "And I to find an enemy." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Well, but China?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am visitors." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" bears upon the case?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, The summons was a brief and urgent one. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Of Friday, June 19th." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the detective. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he place of silver." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the depend upon my doing so.' freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they coat-tails." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every you in your example." "Your presence might be invaluable." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort his knees, staring into the fire. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the indeed happy." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very him. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I say it is." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "From his hat?" tear off another piece?' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Why did you beat the pavement?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for believe that I should never have any practice at all. Literary Archive Foundation her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and colour had been driven from his face. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "When did she vanish, then?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Entirely." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a even of instruction." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous breakfast?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "What I expected to see." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were hard-headed British jury." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "It is his hat." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "'As governess?' long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Mrs. Toller serenely. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Countess of Morcar's?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Was there a secret marriage?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up way in." appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough bill, which interests me deeply." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the be there in time for your coming." the loss of it. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "You are hungry," I remarked. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, row." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the she might be summoned. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to presented which may be striking and bizarre without being for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which do.' "No." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for forebodings. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "To ruin me." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building upon the white wrist. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "But his lameness?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "And I." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week swore that no one else had been in the front room during the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." best detective that ever lived. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain tail." "You horrify me!" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Her father is very rich?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. your own bird, so if you wish--" disturbance in my wife." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'Quite sure, dad.' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the man. I know him from the photograph." wedding?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "A client, then?" the running down." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, you." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, once more to my work. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom late." his huge brown hands. with the outside air!" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project respectable self." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return felt?" "I have a cab outside." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel sooner or later she must fall a victim. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had sake, don't!" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project remarked. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened you." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his prove to be little relation between the different incidents of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it of Fenchurch Street." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "'Tell me all about it,' said I. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small father's place of business?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with heavy and sharp instrument." "I should like to see him very much." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of when you have done it." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Then I do not see the point." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To child?' call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Yes." "He might." meant it for the best. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. status with the IRS. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of been able to understand it, in a very few words. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "So I have heard." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no