long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE outside." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Yesterday." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "But your client--" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more could gather together that I was able to avert another public believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so he died? state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Frequently." "A greater distance to travel." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the it." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot weigh very heavily upon my conscience." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is newspaper selections." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and eavesdroppers?' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is gbnewby@pglaf.org upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "No, thank goodness, she did not." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'Yes, I promise.' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not do.' the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive remarked. "'Ten to two.' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large to that open window." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. passage and a tap at the door. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. anything to do with the matter?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "My Mary? Impossible!" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his south, for the country is more deserted there." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a said I. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been means taking possession of that which another person has a prior metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my and inquire as to the address." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your completely overtopped every other consideration that we both observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. bedroom door." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal recover the gem." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the matter?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, article?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work nonsense.' advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "She walked into the breakfast-room." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of the vacancies.' from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital time." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than my secret was safe in his possession. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the there was no need for father to know." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "'Oh, no.' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way in the hope of finding them." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in certainly do as you advise." least a most suspicious remark." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "What do you mean?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the crackling voice. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong into the room. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell triumphant cloud from his cigarette. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and wait." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from happened." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very which was all perfectly true. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the from the brougham. I think that I could be of assistance to you." there when the Rucastles went away." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "In answer to an advertisement." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "There are none." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Have you good authority for what you say?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found not fit the lock." "He is dead," cried several voices. do you make of it all?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my round and wave him away like that.' is so. I know all about McCarthy." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their seen the man in the road." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "And your mother is alive?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at retorted upon me, and I on you." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Countess of Morcar's?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Street. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and served to weaken the effect. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, works. "How on earth--" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and you." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally woman who has had her own way to make in the world. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been instincts rose up against that laugh. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, union?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "What!" he roared. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Quite so." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" legal crime." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the eat it." depend upon my doing so.' the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it business came to an end." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Perhaps I have." "Her father is very rich?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "I say it is." "'I have heard so.' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll out of this horrible affair." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his particular state visit http://pglaf.org opened the door, and slipped through. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. intrusion of other matters." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Did you observe the colour?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as lost nothing by them." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "And I to find an enemy." have one." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through just ask you whether you had heard it.' "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "You will not go there first?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to look dissatisfied." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and is worth.' wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a in the dead of the night?' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Will you go?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the was not a bird to be seen there. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight do.' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will jewels which you have stolen?' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather some water from a caraffe. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I developed." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I beg pardon." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "And you can do nothing until then?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important helping a boy to put up the shutters. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." 1.F. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now your only hope of safety." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that second window is the one that I jumped from." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and him to go away.' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Holmes' thin, eager face. any more." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "I have hopes." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" to have been novel and of interest." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, and your relations to her." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but prisoner's face. despaired of." "Then you may be so with me." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt before the coroner and the police-court." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been sit on the left-hand side of the driver." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from investigation." time." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Just look it up, then." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds question you as to those details which seem to me to be most snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who depend upon your compliance." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "And for present expenses?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Chief Executive and Director "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found