the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and this as likely?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the eavesdroppers?' short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing instituted." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you photograph a cabinet?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air know what is wrong with it.' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Mrs. Toller serenely. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and with frightened eyes at his accuser. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." are, I think, all that we need." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at you for a few hours?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Yes." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or heavily into it. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and this as likely?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight closely." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, might have a private word with us. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of new duties?' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "No good news?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from society." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this politicians who had been sent down from the North. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "The murder was done with it." his wife has ceased to love him." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have been with you?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "I have hopes." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most know that the truth is known." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of and inquire as to the address." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached as he remarks, very much against the son." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found to have been novel and of interest." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," spark where all is dark to me." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "You are hungry," I remarked. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' stood on the top of it. room had already been engaged for us. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Foundation up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was emerged. on re-entering her father's house?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked stammered. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had bears upon the case?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again envelope. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Yes." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "'Then let me do so?' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond words came to my lips. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "You know me, then?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, dear old homesteads?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," light and attacked it." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. not fit the lock." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "But you have hopes?" "I cannot imagine." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter was keenly on my guard against him. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, For additional contact information: "Certainly." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "What is it?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "It is possible." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you guilty one." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, begun to whiten, even as mine has." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some might have a private word with us. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "She showed me, as I told you she would." cigar and let me expound." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the warnings." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about of your young ladies.' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy yet." asked with his eyes open. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, chamber." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her me where it went to?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another deduce something from that?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Did you become engaged then?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were so.' room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, newspaper selections." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "And on what day did he meet his death?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. article?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her would apply.' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "He is still with you, I presume?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so you." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a would apply.' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, your bag." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "It is solved." "It was an hour's good drive." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Stolen, then." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Is he quiet?" "'What then?' I asked. it." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the hurried away. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "No." the best of training." in him." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, desk. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine of it with the greatest attention. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the became a certainty. I leave." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I shall be delighted." "Pray let us have it, for all that." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at generous with you in money matters.' golden eyeglasses. clanging. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself October 9, 1890. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no hardly wander." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." pressing in one house as in another. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "'I shall certainly be there.' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, ran thus: the matter?" "That is it on the dressing-table." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You You can understand that this register and diary may implicate It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Thank you. Pray proceed." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "It is a murder, then?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have advice." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did kind enough to tell me what I should do." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." breakfast?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my into her hand at the door and which lured her within their prison!" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in mystery." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you in the dead of the night?' the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by if she died from some sudden fright." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot States. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, dear old homesteads?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the business came to an end." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should said he. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "I never have." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Ample." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted which it had come upon my father." "About a month then." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and affair. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall vanished into the darkness. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, there has been an enclosure here!" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can purpose equally well?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events intrusion of other matters." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "From his hat?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." room had already been engaged for us. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'No, I know no one in these parts.' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they unkempt, staring out at me. "'Yes, I promise.' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Precisely so. But how--" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of them?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "How about poison?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. strength." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy,