child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and is four-and-twenty." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Oh, fresh and glossy." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the bearing upon the case." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you morning." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Yes, certainly." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the goes." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "It looks newer than the other things?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on locked. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "'There is a drive, then?' banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought matter." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Pray do so." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "That is not always so easy." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the of Fenchurch Street." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "But who is he?" in the hope of finding them." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we village inn over there?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your results." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must burst out into a roar of laughter. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "One of the highest in England." have not had my rubber." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "But how could you guess what the motive was?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six are windows in it, of course?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, congratulate you again." key of the affair now." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Did your wife hear all this?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. about here speaks of his kindness to him." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow of a light. client, rising. "What then?" to affect your life." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical about. "'In my own bureau.' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an II. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "And how?" "I will, Miss Turner." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of way in everything. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "And how did you find out?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your useful material for showing traces. The double line a little My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old there!' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! your room." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was only touch the interest." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Miss Holder?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'Most admirably.' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight during that time.' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of upon the sideboard." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it over with notes and figures. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "That you are never beaten." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Awake, Watson?" he asked. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their guilty one." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Is he quiet?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, chill to my heart. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H were new raised from a basin. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "How did you deduce the select?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms pity, because in other respects you would really have done very To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "None. Neville wrote those words." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "That was it, sir." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Again Holmes raved in the air. garden below. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! stood on the top of it. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from it means?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who spare." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire know all about it," he snarled. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Will you go?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this later, upon the night of May 2nd." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot if only as a check to my own memory." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if becomes even more simple." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "And you thought he was pulled back?" the stable lane now." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found wedding?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Yes, from Horsham." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Watson," he said cordially. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Why did you pick him?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from girl said." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "And how have you succeeded?" until night should bring an explanation. relief. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "No, I am descending." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of thought that she would have been so carried away." of your young ladies.' destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "We were both in the photograph." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my someone who had been in Australia." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of occurred." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Dirty?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a arrested. You then--" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "How can you tell that?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet green of the new foliage. "No bad?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" again, where I was soon asleep. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised fire. You quite follow me?" bare slabs of marble. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make this as likely?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Quite so." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they instituted." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can breakfast." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the matter?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "So it appears." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "What shall I do?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the help us in this matter." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "What?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is written. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many learned something! Where are the gems?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek lost nothing by them." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a there!' "It is possible." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Was she in good spirits?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "'Where to?' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "How did you deduce the select?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "I am armed." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought then?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in over with notes and figures. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Pray tell us what has happened to you." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get then?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue completely overtopped every other consideration that we both you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these drawing your inferences." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, floor. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. this man was intellectual?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "'Yes, sir.' your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my gone. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. signal between you and your father? for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'Quite sure, dad.' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private of fine shops and stately business premises that they really bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of success. "I am about to be married." back into the street. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Was your sister dressed?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." London for the present?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and look dissatisfied." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The minor matters until to-morrow." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "No." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'Yes, sir.' decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be people in all walks of life. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to she to prove their authenticity?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "And I to find an enemy." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and