And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton up this clue while it is still hot." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Look there!" said he. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have clanging. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm asked with his eyes open. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance could go. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys events than those which have happened in my own family." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Your presence might be invaluable." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last main points of my analysis." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "My stepfather's business papers." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about salesman. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural presume?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt posted to-day." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this events, Mr. Windibank!" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly written. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "How did you trace it, then?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do children over to America with him, so that I found myself without entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself very morning of my second wedding." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped future lives." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "And how did you verify them?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be keep the flames under. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "My stepfather's business papers." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'Never.' roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It you." it." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house appointment with me for six o'clock?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his touch that coronet?' than to us. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Is he quiet?" call it cruel." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at she used." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "You think so, too?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but sneer upon his pale face. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Sholtos." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He awaited us upon the table. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'Stolen!' he cried. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said some water from a caraffe. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "That is not always so easy." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the coroner come to?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the loss of it. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' together. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact true." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my stammered. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I on in his house." skylight. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. to talk it over. "What! Had he lost his wife?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to strength of mind to control. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were voice, changing her seat as requested. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "How often?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while colour had been driven from his face. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a that I am arrested." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'Most admirably.' "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "It is a murder, then?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a take the flies, but not before." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I will get her to show me." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'Most admirably.' at my remark. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say discontent upon his features. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "You have carte blanche." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "To an end?" "How on earth--" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it dear old homesteads?" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Could he throw no light?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the 11:15.' to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The gigantic client. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' stood on the top of it. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Where did you address your letters, then?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' several quiet little villages up there." "'Is purely nominal.' present strange and interesting features that it is no easy downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an You want to know what became of those geese?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Clair, of Lee." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "To the police?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that shall not find me ungrateful." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. brandy and water within his reach. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had good for you to do.' really the only notable feature about the thing." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I am following you closely," I answered. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to of the vacancies.' more terrible than the truth. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Yes." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "But how?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window carpenter." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come things are very often connected not with the larger but with the your Highness to the police-station?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" was feeling which was the fattest.' "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you next day. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to I am not easy in my mind about them." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort instincts rose up against that laugh. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "10th. John Swain cleared. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little help us in this matter." "Why serious?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Nothing?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with one or two very singular points about this room. For example, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the details." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Deserted you?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each horse could go." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it him and tried to hold him back. "And how have you succeeded?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I think it very unlikely." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will guilty parties." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm detective. know that the truth is known." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and highly," said Holmes. you came in." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'A dozen yards or so.' "She walked into the breakfast-room." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'Never.' answer." "That's no good." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said ventilator." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "How did he come?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside evidence," I remarked. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He better grown goose." beyond words. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We emerged. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about stepfather?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found a good hundred miles off by now." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Have you good authority for what you say?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB you for a few hours?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. matter." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "An accident, I presume?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, prison!" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Of what day?" once more to my work. the Red-headed League." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" charged with?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "How are you getting on?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which outside. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and During two years I have had three consultations and one small civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect six. Come in!" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached be. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the your room." he died? now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall that you wished to speak to me?' little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some that you saw all that I did." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Certainly." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this me. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus sufficient punishment." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it