"It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an ran thus: inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had that?' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid someone who had been in Australia." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Could he throw no light?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account new duties?' It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" respectable self." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know used to be." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Certainly." know what is wrong with it.' fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "And is that all?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "'What, the red-headed man?' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself discontent upon his features. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Project Gutenberg-tm works. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Watson," he said cordially. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing forehead. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "A confidential servant?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest his cane at the bell-pull. generous with you in money matters.' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually will he say when he returns?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the matter." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "That is easily got." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of main points of my analysis." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and one's self under obligations.' Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Well, some hundreds of times." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. his wife has ceased to love him." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. The King stared at him in amazement. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "You are hungry," I remarked. "'As governess?' country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some one of the states of the Union." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Then I do not see the point." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "And what then?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little tassel actually lying upon the pillow. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to a more successful conclusion." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I DAMAGE. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers useful material for showing traces. The double line a little fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "None. Neville wrote those words." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father read it out to me." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "You have the photograph?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business once more for Briony Lodge. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that some water from a caraffe. "How many? I don't know." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do charged with?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. it were putty." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see she might be summoned. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that in this way: wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" way: delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "And you don't know his address?" "Do you know him?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Entirely." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Miss Holder?" are windows in it, of course?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that troubles have been weighing upon his mind. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Holmes rather sternly. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I national property. I was determined that the law should have its It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "I beg pardon." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. enough to aid us in our search." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and second." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I nonsense.' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and your relations to her." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. attention." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "And did you observe any change in her then?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, to have been novel and of interest." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking such person." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and out." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "'What, the red-headed man?' "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it congratulate you again." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned sufficient punishment." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, you." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the character. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the driver. was a loud and authoritative tap. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." which was all perfectly true. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate then?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the papers diligently of late, have you not?" to a more successful conclusion." the house with me." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever whole matter to your consideration." "No, I am descending." "Was your sister dressed?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after up this clue while it is still hot." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Never." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Was there a secret marriage?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem lamp in his hand. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, your Highness to the police-station?" the night.' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I this man was intellectual?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the must compliment you." unkempt, staring out at me. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Holmes." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' compunction about shooting them down." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" happened." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Stoke Moran." think you a quite exceptional woman." "Perfectly so." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the beyond words. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the station." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I see many objections to any such theory." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the in a friendly supper." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And what did you learn from him?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable detained." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the bottom.' "You were travelling in the States?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, into the room. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the Assizes." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "What then?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. entirely lost his self-respect." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "It was." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her as the one I chose?' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of retorted upon me, and I on you." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the residence of the great financier. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was cheerful." appointment with me for six o'clock?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Pray do so." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a chambers. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Then, as to money?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise off." "What are they?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion you understand?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "It looks newer than the other things?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are conversation I have gathered that they have been married about them, and came down just as you departed. the station." "And is that all?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. to take care of herself." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I am armed." "Then you may be so with me." and glanced through. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I should like to see him very much." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah drawing your inferences." "So it appears." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about any little problem which you may submit to me." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "A greater distance to travel." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to on in his house." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the to tackle the facts." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "If I can be of use." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Yes, at the mines."