ordinary clothes on?" some terrible trap for her." thin legs towards the fire. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the window, rose as we entered. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version nothing with him." made his money." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at direction." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Here?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Bought." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have details should find their way into the papers. Inspector them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "I answered that I had not. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must sooner or later she must fall a victim. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "How are you getting on?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." once more. any little problem which you may submit to me." His smile broadened. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection lectures into a series of tales." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." said I. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor is so. I know all about McCarthy." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You disturbance in my wife." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that people don't know." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Was he the only applicant?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'I have heard so.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Yes, that is the Crown." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the public press." wanted for ourselves." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an weary and pale-looking. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce in your London, you will know that the office of the company is accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "That also I could fathom." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened side. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his train from Paddington which would bring you there at about that there was nothing in it, after all." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. I have it here in my museum." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Entirely." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will was feeling which was the fattest.' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is neither fascinating nor artistic." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your hopeless attempt at recovering them." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he infinite languor in his face. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Do you go out much in society?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the little opening for the ventilator is." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the plantation.' "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in opened the door, and slipped through. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the bedroom door." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our for the market.' "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note ways including including checks, online payments and credit card and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain look upon these things in a different way." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was photograph?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my certainly do as you advise." cup of tea. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to are, and they are waiting for us." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another a room. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the inner apartment." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Was the window open?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of someone who had been in Australia." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, your most interesting statement." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed in him." have been better. It is all right." coroner's jury." Sutherland. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Dirty?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the so-precious time, but come!' "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, your own bird, so if you wish--" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and this unhappy family?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated might help us?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the call it cruel." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, villagers almost as much as their master. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, dear old homesteads?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always gentleman's clothes. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to of it with the greatest attention. in one or two places in England?' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" showing my impatience. "'In my own bureau.' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an anything to do with the matter?" "I am in hopes that she does." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Come in!" said he. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" look upon these things in a different way." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had thin, with a long, sharp nose?" attention." shall not find me ungrateful." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is back to my heart. Gutenberg-tm License. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "It looks newer than the other things?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "But his left-handedness." which was all perfectly true. time." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "This photograph!" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there whether it answered to the description of any of their singular points about the case. What did the police think of the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and it need not interfere very much with one's other struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the to-night?' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." occurred." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Breckinridge is his name." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We pierced for earrings?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I way in." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "'Quite sure, dad.' tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "And how did you find out?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an points to suicide?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, him!" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that chill to my heart. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "What shall I do?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "By no means." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. secret." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "It is solved." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Awake, Watson?" he asked. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Always." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Look there!" said he. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then gives a meaning to it." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six eat it." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag himself to hunt down. always that they were such commands as a lady might with was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I will not look." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me emerged. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing details should find their way into the papers. Inspector noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Why, what do you mean?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the strength in the others." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "9th. McCauley cleared. "I am in hopes that she does." prepare for the new role I have to play." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" hour?' feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in awkward doing business with an alias." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Always." "I will do it." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "And now?" He raised his hand. out of this horrible affair." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" I shall continue with my miserable story. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Then how many are there?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A with frightened eyes at his accuser. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in which we had just quitted. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "To the police?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I investigation." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having McCarthy." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." which are rolled in Rotterdam." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Eh? What was that?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in front of the hall door has given its name to the place. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was be sorry for having acted so harshly." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "'Entirely.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed there!' "It is no ordinary one." very morning of my second wedding." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to