eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips The telegram which we eventually received came late one night a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. would then never go into court at all." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place absolutely follow my advice in every respect." do you make of it all?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand so far?" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." occurred." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon from you?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work over with notes and figures. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from strode off upon his way. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "You saw the ventilator, too?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and could go. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Well?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of lamp. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Stoke Moran." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "The doctor?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "And I say east," said my patient. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first maiden herself was most instructive." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a place, I think that there is good ground to think that the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "You think that he is dead?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry one else, I think." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went this remarkable episode. "At the wedding breakfast." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a that there was nothing in it, after all." bled considerably." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised tell them apart.' at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Of what?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, these bleak autumnal evenings." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Did you become engaged then?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I have seen the police." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any to miss it." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Ah!" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or relief. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with from you?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Why? What do you mean?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. note?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't do.' "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "But what is it you wish?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the to-night?' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Yes?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "A greater distance to travel." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'Certainly,' I answered. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I know where it is." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the in this note: to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the just called myself is not exactly my own." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental you." "I never have." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "But his left-handedness." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to careless servant girl?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated voice, changing her seat as requested. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "No. What a strange idea!" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass and the colonel ushered me in. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." might have a private word with us. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old of note-paper. It read in this fashion: determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable of his shoulders. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There where we are going." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Why serious?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come From what you have told me I think that it is possible that in this note: some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of persecution?" have been better. It is all right." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in one or two places in England?' wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with she has been waylaid. There has been no result." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William him to be an active member of the medical profession." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the public press." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "No bad?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I am in hopes that she does." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and rooms." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "The Cedars?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying morning." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of like that before?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I to that open window." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The long narrative. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the stable lane now." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the roots. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind fear." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after questioning and rather startled gaze. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your electronic works were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Were they all fastened this morning?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. and have this put in the evening papers." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Yes?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** photograph a cabinet?" extraordinary contortions. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one wall." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to retorted upon me, and I on you." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week a suggestive one." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black it." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his observed. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "You know me, then?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their writing, and yet I know it well." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Seven!" I answered. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. III. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the this poor creature." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, my special province." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to nights." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have enough to aid us in our search." "But his lameness?" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered know that the truth is known." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." telegram would bring me down to your help." detained." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I cannot think." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his fuss that is made over them." entirely lost his self-respect." and inquire as to the address." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical think you a quite exceptional woman." and put his glass in his pocket. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who crackling voice. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. out of this horrible affair." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "And for present expenses?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in money should be paid at once.' ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to-morrow." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the when you have done it." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk evidence," I remarked. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Yes, I have one waiting." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had made his money." "It was an hour's good drive." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. careless servant girl?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Arthur Conan Doyle was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Doctor, of the paper and the date." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Did you observe the colour?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" happened." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that salesman. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son McCarthy's innocence. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all over part of the map. "What do you read?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "And I say east," said my patient. a monotonous occupation." yards of it?' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'How far from the body?' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either foresight and the moral retrogression?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled companion. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I out." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Holmes." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout lost his Christmas dinner." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Nothing." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which