"'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold had picked up in the wood. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had copied or distributed: active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End are, I think, all that we need." Mary, has deserted me." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had situation." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body help us in this matter." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back is so. I know all about McCarthy." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a acquaintance?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, society." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever obstinate." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the loss of it. at home. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not clang of the bell. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and the church but not where the lady lived." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic with her." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be placed his cuttings. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Your sister is dead, then?" stepfather?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you very old mansion. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before His name is Francis Prosper." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion constraint." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it him. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, to that open window." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a front of me. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'How far from the body?' nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was yet." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" tension within him. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than six. Come in!" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love remarked. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they new duties?' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "If I can be of use." the room while you explain this matter?" your only hope of safety." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "No bad?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon mystery may be cleared along those lines." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I cannot say that I have." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "It is possible." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors weigh very heavily upon my conscience." have established a very serious case against the son of the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened strength." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but there is a decided draught." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but possible that we could bring him back to her? "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "No." Munro.' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind strode off upon his way. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his subject to the trademark license, especially commercial XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Were they all fastened this morning?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the house with me." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an tail." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the door?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the window, rose as we entered. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is James Windibank. Voilà tout!" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual this unhappy family?" with you alone." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the golden eyeglasses. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Holmes, the busybody!" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Pray tell us what has happened to you." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when clang of the bell. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Why did you beat the pavement?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "No. His orders were to stay in the house." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the furiously. be.' Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and goes." in him." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the national property. I was determined that the law should have its and glanced through. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." on in his house." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him green of the new foliage. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions was already answered. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his of receipt of the work. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "That is not always so easy." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have some place of shelter and let the county police know what has showing my impatience. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. stood on the top of it. clang of the bell. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Yes." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in himself in a perplexing position. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, McCarthy's innocence. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "It is his hat." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his fear." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who arrested. You then--" "But of what society?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Surrey." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Miss Holder?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, I shall communicate with you." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she infinite languor in his face. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge the King without delay." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. brain must have something in it." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than present." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" was shining brightly. awkward doing business with an alias." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and horse could go." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable his wife has ceased to love him." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of morning." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Whose house is it?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "In which, sir?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Absolutely none." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was vague figure huddled up in the darkness. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'In my own bureau.' the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the breakfast?" know that the truth is known." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "And Miss Sutherland?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Precisely so. But how--" and have this put in the evening papers." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "And how did he make his money?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" waste of energy." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I once more to my work. yards of it?' He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he new acquaintance to Baker Street. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind works. cigars in their mouths. tail." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the of the one which your family is now devouring." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his served to weaken the effect. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I ran thus: Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a indeed which he could not unravel. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "And your mother is alive?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight begun to whiten, even as mine has." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I am in hopes that she does." putting in the horse. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you come either from the window or the door. My attention was swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train brain must have something in it." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of always that they were such commands as a lady might with he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I shall be delighted." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss in a friendly supper." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "No, I am descending." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her papers diligently of late, have you not?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had points in connection with it which never have been, and probably steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid question," said Holmes, smiling. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "What have you to say now?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Then he might have called to you?" eat it." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which and the colonel ushered me in. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK fact, we may call it conclusive." to tell." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." upon the sideboard." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for was the fact that his father should, according to his account, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "And how did you verify them?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Do you receive much company?" he asked. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming