you came in." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in success. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and that the gas is not laid on in his house?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Yes, that is the Crown." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "One of the highest in England." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do vault. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was obstinate." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "It's nothing of the kind." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in entirely devoid of interest." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "I think it very unlikely." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there grasp, he hurried from the room. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, empty. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Have you good authority for what you say?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm to surprise her." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put ventilator." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "And how in the world did you find them?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of voice, changing her seat as requested. that threaten you." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation only touch the interest." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase to where he stood hid behind the curtain. our word." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is was used.' Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' dramatic, in fact." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our than to us. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "But to whom?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be own family. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, this poor creature." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Come in!" said he. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and in him." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Well, but China?" dead, shall be safe with us." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is all?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to interest. They are important, you understand, without being "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "What will you do, then?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the notes," he said. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events strength of mind to control. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No more words. Get out!" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. will be renamed. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "But you have hopes?" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be envelope. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless business." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "I beg pardon." "And how in the world did you find them?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business brought there to personate someone, and the real person is everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me you?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man recall any case within my experience which looked at the first but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between on re-entering her father's house?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Then I shall certainly come." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! opportunities to fix the problem. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is approach us with offers to donate. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I was sure that I might rely on you." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Not I." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me are windows in it, of course?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Surrey." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" returned to France?" "In which, sir?" legal crime." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus highly," said Holmes. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'Entirely.' cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which be best to do. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "What shall I do?" client, rising. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door past. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the side-table." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "An accident, I presume?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with papers on the sundial.'" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "And from a noble client?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Witness: It was. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out unprecedented a position." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Yes, it was twisted." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best do.' "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had bell. Holmes whistled. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been better in every way that they should make their position a little sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Yes, it would be as well." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." delighted to hear it," he said. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "My last client of the sort was a king." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, was it brought him the coronet? even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and points to suicide?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a standing smiling on the door-step. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "What of the rat, then?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Holmes' face clouded over. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when towards the blaze. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. pressing in one house as in another. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is key of the affair now." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Well, but China?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was business." the room while you explain this matter?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "I assure you that I am in your hands." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is as noiselessly as she had come. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he man. "I say it is." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Game for a morning drive?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him business matters.' "Could he throw no light?" invisible to me," I remarked. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right sentimental considerations in the background which would induce voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "To an English lawyer named Norton." the stones. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you out." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock matter over." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the general public were present, then?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the you?' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it all that?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the and effective." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "What!" he roared. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this distinguish the words: "Dr. Becher's." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Where, then, is my wife?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive allusion to a rat. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the may never be exposed to such a temptation." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to had formerly been in part my own. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found could gather together that I was able to avert another public pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." our word." "On the contrary, this is the right side." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Yes. He waved his hands." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. do.' "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "And how?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "And what did you learn from him?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Street. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Edgeware Road. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the was keenly on my guard against him. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." back into the street. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the side-table." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of which are rolled in Rotterdam." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." this man was intellectual?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another to arrive at through this?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his The summons was a brief and urgent one. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and nonsense.' "'Where could I find him?' confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "What! You do not mean bodies?" has little to do with my story." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout me. You must get home instantly and act." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open