mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. results." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Get out!" said he. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "That is possible." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the I nodded to show that I had heard. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done what I may call a really hard day's work." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just national property. I was determined that the law should have its least a fellow-countryman. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Cross for the Continent." back to my heart. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the her also." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of carried out of court." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope province." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "VIOLET HUNTER." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything a good hundred miles off by now." arrested. You then--" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Was she in good spirits?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid acted in my house last night?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Munro.' both be extremely obliged.' As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "And why in hopes?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "An accident, I presume?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and a shock of very red hair. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a vault. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the dangers which encompass me." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" face and glided from the room. of the vacancies.' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "One horse?" interjected Holmes. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Oh, fresh and glossy." "The knees of his trousers." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Nothing?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "I am to be neutral?" "Ten will be early enough." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the dangers which encompass me." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "My own seal." "No, but the enclosure is." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting shadow pass over his face as I spoke. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Pool. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "'Is purely nominal.' "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards leave you to your papers for a little." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your for and were ordered to this address. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "To an end?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a you?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Precisely." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'Certainly,' I answered. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away annoyance, but no jest. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Imitated." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was hands. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically present strange and interesting features that it is no easy was once confined in the cab my mission was practically ways of our fellow-men." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had it." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had correct than the official force." character. the coroner come to?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in strength in the others." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Holmes. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case in your London, you will know that the office of the company is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Well, but China?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Ten will be early enough." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "An enemy?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' with you alone." opportunities to fix the problem. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a key of the affair now." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on thin, with a long, sharp nose?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so once more on the important position which you have been fortunate skylight. in the port of London." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "She will not sell." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "But of what society?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an cigars in their mouths. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I will not look." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot opened the door, and slipped through. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. when your master had gone out." "So I am. Very much so." will not take me long to tell. ordinary clothes on?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely that there was nothing in it, after all." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "That is easily got." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I cannot imagine." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, in the dead of the night?' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that reach." Watson," he said cordially. will not take me long to tell. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "It surprised me." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' do.' to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just http://gutenberg.net/license). and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Were they all fastened this morning?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he situation." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the narrative." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "He disappeared so suddenly." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "I guessed as much." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And you don't know his address?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come thin legs towards the fire. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. coroner's jury." copied or distributed: master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a details." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. I. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Countess of Morcar's?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort returned to France?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a had this final quarrel? Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up directors have had misgivings upon the subject." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began generous with you in money matters.' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. generous with you in money matters.' husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and stepfather?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the room while you explain this matter?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "And you don't know his address?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of distinguish the words: pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite was not a bird to be seen there. "Thank you. And your address?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered upon the shelf for the interim." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then minor matters until to-morrow." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the coronet in his hand?" the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I see no marks." "And leave your case unfinished?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of despaired of." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "A confidential servant?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that dates and names. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have appeared upon the scene." the ceiling. http://www.gutenberg.net way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "My last client of the sort was a king." walking." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a bonnet, and went out." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'In my own bureau.' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. in this note: actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Then I can wait in the next room." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "You are hungry," I remarked. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his a little more before I quite committed myself. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'Certainly not.' beg that you will break it off." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "And when will you call?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no himself in a perplexing position. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "But he might be a bachelor." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box second window is the one that I jumped from." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "At the wedding breakfast." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I did not hear it also.' would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it people in all walks of life. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Did he not advertise?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "That is it on the dressing-table." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Precisely." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, him to go away.' "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a ways of our fellow-men." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an of the vacancies.' seen the man in the road." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father disappearance of these gems?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate reach." key of the affair now." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go there has been an enclosure here!" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Just look it up, then." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "You have it, sir, just as it happened." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same my special province." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Yesterday." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Where, then, is my wife?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the inquest, and which are worth considering." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first to where he stood hid behind the curtain. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less than to us. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger