eavesdroppers?' detained." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his meant it for the best. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was to that open window." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock his knees, staring into the fire. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the particular state visit http://pglaf.org puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he knowledge of the world." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me been." too. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the him. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Well?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper papers on the sundial.'" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never look dissatisfied." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see arrested. You then--" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I morning." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You think that he is dead?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "And Miss Sutherland?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "BALLARAT." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "How did you trace it, then?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Henry Baker is a member." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." meant." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the off." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I think that it is very probable." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I assure you that I am in your hands." cup of tea. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "I am sure." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work money should be paid at once.' We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would there were one or two details which were new to me. But the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, take the flies, but not before." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account any little problem which you may submit to me." dead, shall be safe with us." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "I am about to be married." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "But how?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental people don't know." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always be sorry for having acted so harshly." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United so far?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I money should be paid at once.' "I will, Miss Turner." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Is purely nominal.' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Entirely." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "From his hat?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Watson," he said cordially. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. stood on the top of it. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Really! You surprise me." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "But how will you look?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "It was a confession," I ejaculated. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, never will be, entirely cleared up. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, speckled band?" pressing in one house as in another. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from companion. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our mystery." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and ordinary clothes on?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Well." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "It was." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "The rest you will leave in our hands." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'What do you call purely nominal?' "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a McCarthy's innocence. "Yes." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the very letters. But what is this written above them?' located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men nothing with him." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "And the cigar-holder?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "You are all wrong." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a furiously. "And from a noble client?" skylight. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "It is no ordinary one." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "One of his hands." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it a suggestive one." wanted for ourselves." bachelor.' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had it means?" have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Bought." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Ten will be early enough." chair. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Frequently." Serpentine Avenue. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Serpentine Avenue. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "And I to find an enemy." locked. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I guessed as much." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were would apply.' developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my think you a quite exceptional woman." "No." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps searched, without anything being found which could incriminate uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It point our research must commence, and we will begin it by solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at matter over." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Yes. He waved his hands." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I cannot say that I have." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of of his shoulders. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes success. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst was the fact that his father should, according to his account, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle into her hand at the door and which lured her within their benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "She walked into the breakfast-room." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "'How far from the body?' the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. question. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'Is 4 pounds a week.' house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Yes." true." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to true." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "And how did you verify them?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I of." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, shoulder; "he's all right." politicians who had been sent down from the North. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Yes, sir." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage sake, don't!" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together closing the door. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? your co-operation." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without room had already been engaged for us. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the have one." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such do." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off standing smiling on the door-step. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. might help us?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal McCarthy's innocence. cigars in their mouths. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a reach." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Why did you pick him?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than my former friend and companion. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my instituted." "Do you know him?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You horrify me." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. off." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, eat it." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Yes." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the within hail.' all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the few hundred pounds.' police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a eavesdroppers?' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely into the bag, and made for the door. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. attention." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Yes, at the mines." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is skylight. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary your own bird, so if you wish--" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the for the market.' enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't get her out of the way." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "And how did you find out?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which his grey eyes. "The gentleman I describe." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in it. observed. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few locked. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since happened." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident,