expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit sneer upon his pale face. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "You were travelling in the States?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Perfectly so." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, appointment with me for six o'clock?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "I will, Miss Turner." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to to Leatherhead. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his appointment with me for six o'clock?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "But what is it you wish?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." highroad, where all traces were lost. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "And from a noble client?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say nothing of it?" experiences." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Breckinridge is his name." yet." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my already been minutely examined." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "An enemy?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "You have carte blanche." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of your room." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss bearing upon the case." a suggestive one." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one You can understand that this register and diary may implicate coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "And Irene Adler?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Yes, certainly." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since had a long day." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could touch that coronet?' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'Yes, sir.' though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have friends, not even his own brother. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have to tackle the facts." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first matter over." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what one of the states of the Union." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought The note was undated, and without either signature or address. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before emerged. gentleman's clothes. During two years I have had three consultations and one small me." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is is acting for the best. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the waste of energy." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, there was no need for father to know." must be when I saw the door open.' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his events, Mr. Windibank!" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, individual and becomes the badge of a society." of the way of danger. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. McCarthy's innocence. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning call the police, let the police find what they can.' I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes throat." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had this man was intellectual?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Yes." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Yes, it would be as well." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." giving me time to thank him. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "It surprised me." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Mary, has deserted me." with her." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a that I am arrested." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who colour had been driven from his face. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Ah, but I was recommended to you." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'Yes, sir.' very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Leadenhall Street--and--" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed photograph?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "In which, sir?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "And your mother is alive?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point that he has suffered." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "In what way?" asked Holmes. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the roots. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. be sorry for having acted so harshly." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "And what then?" interests were the same as his." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind their singular warning or token before them when starting upon ourselves in the office." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." danger is over." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he already been minutely examined." rat could hardly pass through." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I don't say that. Perhaps." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize tightly behind him. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. returned to France?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the about. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "'Where to?' with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry sneer upon his pale face. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project time." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough so far?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the you for a few hours?" these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Yes." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for me what he had done with the three missing stones. this unhappy family?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and to-morrow." what do you think they found in the pockets?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her know all about it," he snarled. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where me. You must get home instantly and act." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I came to find a friend." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are appeared upon the scene." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has in. "And I." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "How often?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Pray do so." "'Yes.' decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Was she in good spirits?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and 1.E.9. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' plantation.' Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation undoubtedly my uncle's." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And away in different directions, and I went off to make my own reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a appeared upon the scene." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my which it had come upon my father." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'You cannot say what it was?' "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so prison!" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of forehead. "I cannot imagine." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "When did it break out?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the you?' you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the are, I think, all that we need." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his made him keep the appointment." few hundred pounds.' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business in his hands." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the made his money." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, held up the lantern and gazed about him. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Which surely he restored to their owner?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a several quiet little villages up there." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "9th. McCauley cleared. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I have my revolver," said I. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them your room." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Yes." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Chief Executive and Director used to be." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'What then?' I asked. said he. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round not fit the lock." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up must compliment you." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with a suggestive one." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Will you bet, then?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Then I do not see the point." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use you give your casting vote to?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the compunction about shooting them down." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my rat could hardly pass through." empty. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his better in every way that they should make their position a little "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the business matters.' black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest society." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it evidence," I remarked. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "What then?" you give your casting vote to?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself.