of fine shops and stately business premises that they really fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and ashen face. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Do you go out much in society?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders strength in the others." "Yes, from Horsham." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Pope's Court. "So I am. Very much so." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "How do you know, then?" you." This is what he says: nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one their singular warning or token before them when starting upon travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just cigars in the box." to tell." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Pray do so." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the like gravel from a pit.' assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better shadow pass over his face as I spoke. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his to you." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take 11:15.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting horse could go." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "You forget that I know nothing about it." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and do." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship arrested. You then--" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently asked with his eyes open. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate thought that she would have been so carried away." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of one else, I think." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I have come for advice." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Why did you pick him?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "He is dead," cried several voices. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer hour." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Yes, it was twisted." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "We must have a cab." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful at once, for I have only half an hour." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "And I to find an enemy." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety floor. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the date of his supposed suicide." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "One?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "You are hungry," I remarked. any little problem which you may submit to me." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" words came to my lips. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "In San Francisco, a year ago." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the I approached. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Did you observe the colour?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I should be immensely obliged to you." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "But how will you look?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for searched, without anything being found which could incriminate upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over test if we have an answer to our advertisement." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father or other trace. But how on earth--" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I will, Miss Turner." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, one else, I think." "I will get her to show me." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few shoulder. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On upon the shelf for the interim." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "But what is it you wish?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a of the way of danger. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but of Mr. Rucastle's." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by instituted." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter Eyford." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I swore that no one else had been in the front room during the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "No more words. Get out!" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "And why?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes noting anything else of interest. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she writers could invent nothing more crude." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible affair. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad he. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross and effective." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of ago." upon the sideboard." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an fuss that is made over them." danger is over." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Yes, only one." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly attention." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until his cane at the bell-pull. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I think it very unlikely." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you chamber." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' window when the police appeared." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and glanced through. Farm upon the left." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' noble correspondent could be. disappearance of the bride.'" "How many? I don't know." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "You are hungry," I remarked. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Young McCarthy must be got off, however." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into foot. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I posted to-day." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would him nearly every evening." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at promised to bring home. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I less than 26s. 4d. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the tail." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Tired-looking or fresh?" some terrible trap for her." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "But of what society?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a to some other building. you give your casting vote to?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three views." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "To an end?" "What is it?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "There is the writing." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ your only hope of safety." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "In which, sir?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin something of him before." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Eh? What was that?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and which are rolled in Rotterdam." the warnings." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained papers must be those that are destroyed.' squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something answered with a sidelong glance. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "VIOLET HUNTER." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "It goes to the housekeeper's room." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in pound a week." formed some opinion?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall allusion to a rat. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project colonel looking down at me. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while indeed which he could not unravel. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "My Mary? Impossible!" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do quick march!" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the bird I ate is country bred." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "BALLARAT." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Were they all fastened this morning?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of keep the flames under. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the served to weaken the effect. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See *** START: FULL LICENSE *** union?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis thought that she would have been so carried away." the salesman. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "And how did you verify them?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and most interesting one." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' your troubles." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage II. "The best possible." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE that I am arrested." the house with me." October 9, 1890. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.'