"'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure house for five minutes.' but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought stammered. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He bird I ate is country bred." goes." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Yes, it was gone.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "You have but to name it." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and writing, and yet I know it well." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Deserted you?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which which I could not give. He asked for Alice. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the station." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It is a common subject for conversation. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. conceal it?" DAMAGE. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the his face which made him a very different person to the round, secret." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face heavily into it. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all evidence," I remarked. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce words came to my lips. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. This is what he says: by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could right! Sit down and let us talk it over." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Surrey." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. paper in the air. quickly through a disagreeable task. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy help us in this matter." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking hurried away. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Miss Holder?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very carried out of court." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method here." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "No?" your own bird, so if you wish--" six. Come in!" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' colonel looking down at me. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall lost his Christmas dinner." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "No more words. Get out!" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Why did you pick him?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him I nodded to show that I had heard. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three did not hear it also.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought in the dead of the night?' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "How can you tell that?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he know all about it," he snarled. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "What! You do not mean bodies?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the humiliation." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it that the gas is not laid on in his house?" allusion to a rat. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent said he. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the even so self-evident a thing as that." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you my room." "One of the highest in England." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest key of the affair now." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been you give your casting vote to?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Well, but China?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich and wait." a very grave face. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at for securing the situation." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Did your wife hear all this?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's late." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "That was it, sir." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up forehead. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "My photograph." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's companion imperturbably. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the his face. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from cigar and let me expound." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our manager. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I will try. What is it?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a she to prove their authenticity?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and certainly do as you advise." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to do." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair other means.' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "How long did she speak to this Alice?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most in one or two places in England?' slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a that, and I came down." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "By all means." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "When did she vanish, then?" me. You must get home instantly and act." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from begin with, and I had not got mine yet." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his had picked up in the wood. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "And how?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Because he was handy and would come cheap." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "I will get her to show me." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see that he has suffered." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the strong and stiff." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "And how?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I know where it is." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" to change my dress. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. purpose equally well?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "What I expected to see." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Stolen, then." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the advice." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "10th. John Swain cleared. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." returning from some small jollification and was making his way France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Very well, sir. And this stone?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, once more to my work. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have to-night." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Pray do so." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Get out!" said he. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill it were putty." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "On Monday." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. spare." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "'I have heard so.' have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." remarked. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they speckled band?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Pray do so." "Only as much as we can deduce." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital residence of the great financier. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'And what are they worth?' I asked. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I wedding?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" You want to know what became of those geese?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Where is it, then?" to take care of herself." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Thank you. Pray proceed." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the said I. few hundred pounds.' "What!" he roared. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being goes." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss 'I should be able to look after that for you.' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some arms and began to sob in a high treble key. residence of the great financier. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a indiscretion." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, disappearance of these gems?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time http://www.gutenberg.net "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong stepfather?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang went to the Alpha were town bred." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come pity, because in other respects you would really have done very cigars in their mouths. "You know me, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Not yet." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from which our visitor detailed to us. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of you understand?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "What shall I do?" the dangers which encompass me." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very shadow pass over his face as I spoke. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "And that is--" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring of the one which your family is now devouring." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? someone who had been in Australia." "And why?" floor. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "You think that he is dead?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I see many objections to any such theory." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Then I do not see the point." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, kind enough to tell me what I should do." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'And what are they worth?' I asked. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to not personally threatened." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular remarked. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last