upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped away into the river." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the already been minutely examined." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. awkward doing business with an alias." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a ran thus: to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded envelope. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which go--none." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. from the brougham. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the him to be an active member of the medical profession." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a His smile broadened. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis a suggestive one." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly that you can jump it.' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She he. "'What then?' I asked. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "BALLARAT." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke province." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that in this note: running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon most interesting one." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who furiously. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to and all of them with the keenest interest. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "You will not go there first?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the nice household for a young lady." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the were new raised from a basin. "My own seal." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut been able to understand it, in a very few words. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear was shining brightly. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that letters?" "You know me, then?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the DAMAGE. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my did not hear it also.' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a relief. "What is it?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry have I gained?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in guilty one." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, with some details as to your case." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "We must have a cab." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you foot. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about lamp. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that I leave." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I am all attention, madam." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "By train from Waterloo." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could lamp. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; it." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her guilty one." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." situation." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This good-night and bustled off upon her way. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in a very precise fashion." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "And what did you see?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in of his shoulders. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here cost them two and thirty pounds." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too clang of the bell. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had friend's singular character. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he open." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which experiences." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the pictures, libraries, or plate. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "We must have a cab." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good money should be paid at once.' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "The decline of his fortunes, then?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how introspective fashion. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic absorbing." father's young wife. of this gang." "My photograph." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a to-night?' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. at home. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "What! Had he lost his wife?" Arthur Conan Doyle she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I am following you closely," I answered. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the questionable one." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible you." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'Very good.' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the matter." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious joking. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let floor. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "And your mother is alive?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." already been minutely examined." "It is a murder, then?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "I think that I had better go, Holmes." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are in your London, you will know that the office of the company is these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this foresight and the moral retrogression?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the King without delay." look upon these things in a different way." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have words came to my lips. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a fishes. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "My stepfather's business papers." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I say it is." "I am to be neutral?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "When did she vanish, then?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the make me his representative both with the servants and with the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six invisible to me," I remarked. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" address. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it neither fascinating nor artistic." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may kind enough to tell me what I should do." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Then you may be so with me." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "But we can't all be." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Arthur Conan Doyle To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Upon what point?" lost nothing by them." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "And that is--" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Yesterday." "None." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little thin legs towards the fire. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital was keenly on my guard against him. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they cause to be." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause assist you in forming an opinion." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may carriage. It was a chestnut." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan notes," he said. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Then I do not see the point." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "In the cells." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Well, but China?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two