Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Have you good authority for what you say?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser questionable one." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling beg that you will break it off." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Texas, I think." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, drawing your inferences." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how our word." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Deserted you?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Dr. Becher's." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it there when the Rucastles went away." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him said he. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Can I be of assistance?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged help us in this matter." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "What I expected to see." said he at last. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of you." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE quick march!" nonsense.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. other means.' connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "I will, Miss Turner." and the whole place is in a blaze." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has village inn over there?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that with you?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Clair, of Lee." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Pool. congenial hunt. entirely devoid of interest." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." in him." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I have seen the police." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Very much so." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "You have compromised yourself seriously." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of weary and pale-looking. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. distinguish the words: very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and sneer upon his pale face. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Did you become engaged then?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and nothing with him." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "It came here." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few train.' salesman. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon me upon any point which I do not make clear." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Edgeware Road. hurried by. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about both be extremely obliged.' the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You better grown goose." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "The murder was done with it." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "So it appears." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Yes." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to appeal." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Won't it ring?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "And that is--" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' The telegram which we eventually received came late one night important." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "But how will you look?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small head. So long, then!" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport remarked. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "What is it?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I was mad--insane." "Yes." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Nothing?" "And why in hopes?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the tragedy. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his of his shoulders. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Literary Archive Foundation and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and do you make of it all?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "And is that all?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "An accident, I presume?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "How did you deduce the select?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock London for the present?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be mystery!" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there sneer upon his pale face. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just I. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "It's nothing of the kind." shall not find me ungrateful." suddenly upon us." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were which should have the effect of calling the attention of the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Here?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in that before taking the final step I should like to submit the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down ago." carpenter." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months placed his cuttings. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Never." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. companion quietly. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'It is locked up,' I answered. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten outbreak?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would one which it was hard to resist. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has to change my dress. grasp, he hurried from the room. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard father's young wife. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then whatever might befall. and it need not interfere very much with one's other fasten all the windows?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Heh?' naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the promised to bring home. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "By all means." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you all that?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Well, but China?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something to that open window." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "I have a cab outside." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel and have this put in the evening papers." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, papers on the sundial.'" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm she might be summoned. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me her also." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his village inn over there?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "But what is it you wish?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "It's nothing of the kind." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Yes, at the mines." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I cannot think." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to straightened it out again. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort been." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Watson," he said cordially. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I beg pardon." "Was she in good spirits?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "His face fell immediately. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Why serious?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said hurried away. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Precisely." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The once more to my work. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "And is that all?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in manager. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to money should be paid at once.' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Then you may entirely rely on me." "I came to find a friend." a little more before I quite committed myself. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Only as much as we can deduce." rat could hardly pass through." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Stoke Moran?" said he. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Oh, fresh and glossy." there was no need for father to know." desk. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "It is half-past ten now." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my have established a very serious case against the son of the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have woman." his eyes and forehead. "I cannot think." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On works. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." me. You must get home instantly and act." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and no precautions can guard against." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." face and glided from the room. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side entirely devoid of interest." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the success. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Come in!" said he. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with note?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "No, my brougham is waiting." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of