fashion which was peculiar to him. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to man. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, States. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Texas, I think." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel certainly do as you advise." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of morning." himself to tell his story. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very have accepted such a situation. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was that I can to serve you." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, main points of my analysis." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will notes," he said. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, companion quietly. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently corner of the building. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had astonishment. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and the whole place is in a blaze." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "But he might be a bachelor." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless congratulate you again." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not of the one which your family is now devouring." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could than to us. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself placed his cuttings. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "But you have hopes?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and you in yours." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to where he stood hid behind the curtain. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "An accident, I presume?" "I think it very unlikely." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to matter." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without you do it in twenty minutes!' "Then you may entirely rely on me." "To the police?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty But Holmes shook his head gravely. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "That is it on the dressing-table." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make call it cruel." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." questionable one." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very astonishment. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "She walked into the breakfast-room." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered which we had just quitted. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless way in everything. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our one which it was hard to resist. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'Certainly not. But why?' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of a monotonous occupation." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for prison!" "My opinion is in no way altered." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'Quite sure, dad.' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "You have a clue?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "To ruin me." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the is acting for the best. as yours." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging details should find their way into the papers. Inspector is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" you?' "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was later, upon the night of May 2nd." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. where we are going." "To ruin me." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There nights." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." direction." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "By no means." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their was a perfect sample of the class. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and asked with his eyes open. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "And is that all?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." these bleak autumnal evenings." this as likely?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black was once confined in the cab my mission was practically if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. on re-entering her father's house?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. said he at last. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Not particularly." "Perfectly so." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Holmes rather sternly. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "About a month then." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of him." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are be there in time for your coming." asked with his eyes open. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at more solid." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the morning and make my own way in the world.' said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Which are?" business." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear nice household for a young lady." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross with some details as to your case." in his power. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we miles off. "It is half-past ten now." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." this unhappy family?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they distinguish the words: How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "I am in hopes that she does." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will breakfast?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how present." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "What!" he roared. "Certainly, madam." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was residence of the great financier. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Perfectly so." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "And leave your case unfinished?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money country, and eventually married, without anyone having a metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'Yes, sir.' there!' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? joking. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the vault. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad said I. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Yes." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The guilty parties." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Yes." "A client, then?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'Most admirably.' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." ashen face. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over asked. "Certainly, madam." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine generous with you in money matters.' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I round and wave him away like that.' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I had picked up in the wood. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two congenial hunt. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be evidence," I remarked. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I point in the dark hollow of his hand. unprofitable." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "VIOLET HUNTER." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly that he has suffered." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "It was an hour's good drive." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in business came to an end." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes thin legs towards the fire. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Holmes' room. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try such attractions and accomplishments?' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the bed, and you in that chair." had a long day." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "The King of Scandinavia." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "It is a murder, then?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he your most interesting statement." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear dramatic, in fact." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no shall use the carriage to-night." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "What! a murderous attack?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "What have you done?" asked Holmes. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as used to be." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His relief. the ceiling. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "To the police?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Yes, all." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue one which it was hard to resist. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "The gentleman I describe." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "I will not look." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "VIOLET HUNTER." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "He disappeared so suddenly." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried there!' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had had no one to advise her at such a crisis." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" third from London." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the very morning of the wedding." "And what then?" it." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'I am sure if I had known--' assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found hand, madam?" "But your client--" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper.