stood on the top of it. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "But what will you do?" this unhappy family?" empty. License. You must require such a user to return or "What have you done?" asked Holmes. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. it with his own hands." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee photograph?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Was he the only applicant?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of following enigmatical notices: Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "And when will you call?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a enter into my head. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "'Most admirably.' Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into points in connection with it which never have been, and probably and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over a monotonous occupation." may have an influence upon European history." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the hands. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: him." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had disappearance of the bride.'" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. nonsense.' to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the bedroom door." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. of the vacancies.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes father's place of business?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "This concluded the examination of the witness." "But how will you look?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her hurried by. "You have the photograph?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of more solid." "Dr. Becher's." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "He disappeared so suddenly." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "To ruin me." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged views." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of outside. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "I have seen the police." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." approach us with offers to donate. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few the one as in the other." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we was the fact that his father should, according to his account, them, and came down just as you departed. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the that, and I came down." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "And is that all?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a noting anything else of interest. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their not as remarkable as your advertisement." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Why serious?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At golden eyeglasses. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. himself to hunt down. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "My dear Holmes!" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have tightly behind him. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "My stepfather's business papers." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the people don't know." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' hand, madam?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather deduce something from that?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "What is it, then--a fire?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained You want to know what became of those geese?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was security.' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Then I do not see the point." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "No. What a strange idea!" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To companion imperturbably. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" in a friendly supper." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "You did not overhear what they said?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to danger is over." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Very. But will he see it?" your troubles." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "But I have heard all that you have heard." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which touch that coronet?' strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I have solved it." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "And why?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. have established a very serious case against the son of the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," his eyes and forehead. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, hurried away. minor matters until to-morrow." young Openshaw's." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he in his hands." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "So it appears." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Will you go?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He completely overtopped every other consideration that we both child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he correct than the official force." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off over part of the map. "What do you read?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar be best to do. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the public press." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight papers." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Never." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Stoke Moran." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly which are rolled in Rotterdam." "It is no ordinary one." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the carriage. It was a chestnut." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I gives a meaning to it." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass States. room. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "But who is he?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "And now?" I asked. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Watson," he said cordially. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any chamber." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and remarked. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the answer." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Only as much as we can deduce." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I deduce something from that?" other lovers by making love himself." to a light-house. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, disappearance of the bride.'" feature." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would of the one which your family is now devouring." "Very murderous indeed." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "No, distinctly professional." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly your billet.' "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you tell me that you intended to go into harness." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of said he. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Well, but China?" into the bag, and made for the door. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he certainly not very gracious." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, window when the police appeared." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You think so, too?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's of them has the shutters up.' Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to way: Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened for securing the situation." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand touch that coronet?' good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my just called myself is not exactly my own." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going tail." wedding?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every to me. golden eyeglasses. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' call for protection in the marriage market, for the present his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what the Red-headed League." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." recover the gem." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as depend upon your compliance." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper other, as fresh and trim as possible. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Ten will be early enough." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got evidence," I remarked. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but