"It was." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would note?" again, where I was soon asleep. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Where, then?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Bought." neither fascinating nor artistic." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE bird of prey. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'What do you call purely nominal?' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I little trying to do so much typewriting?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez where Mr. Fordham shows you.' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there will take you up to see the machine.' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to where we are going." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, his eyes and forehead. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Yes." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small for the market.' been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "But I am all in the dark." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I say that I have solved it." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, washing it down with a long draught of water. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." and that he would see to anything that turned up. light and attacked it." is worth.' "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical soul! here is her carriage at the door." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this did not hear it also.' which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "You heard nothing yourself last night?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would it." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in vanished into the darkness. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Certainly." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Mrs. Toller serenely. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my him!" and put his glass in his pocket. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked chance at all." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "To the police?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he the house with me." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "The landlord of the Alpha." absorbing." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his photograph?" and no precautions can guard against." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and effective." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential upon a handsome competence. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands useful material for showing traces. The double line a little consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the results." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "It certainly sounds feasible." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are recover the gem." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "That sounds a little paradoxical." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The she used." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the made his money." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Yes." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See in him." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny good for you to do.' skylight. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional other lovers by making love himself." through." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Why, it's a dummy," said he. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very of campaign. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as cause to be." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated be sorry for having acted so harshly." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking stammered. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for I shall continue with my miserable story. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Count Von Kramm." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you do." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and shall probably return to London by the evening train." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring read it out to me." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter reach." dramatic, in fact." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain for the market.' though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to humiliation." into the bag, and made for the door. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little ways including including checks, online payments and credit card electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "You saw the ventilator, too?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "What of the rat, then?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very stammered. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near I leave." all-comprehensive glances. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. fattened it expressly for you.' "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Which are?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "What can you not understand?" a very grave face. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. minor matters until to-morrow." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "It was." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Quite so. She has her freedom." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I was certainly surprised to find you there." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Stolen." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "It is his hat." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "The knees of his trousers." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I from you?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Yes." this Miss Turner." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must generous with you in money matters.' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back sofa. This way, please!" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, thirty. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "You have a clue?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to he died? bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your dates and names. quickly through a disagreeable task. official police." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the sooner or later she must fall a victim. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down records." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east and a shock of very red hair. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass so.' "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "It was." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. to tackle the facts." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a reach." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. mystery!" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Have you it here?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' stepfather?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Upon what point?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. my secret was safe in his possession. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "That is it on the dressing-table." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain page at http://pglaf.org opened a pocket-book and took out a note. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now our word." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "But she could not love him." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There to where he stood hid behind the curtain. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "And now?" He raised his hand. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Why, what do you mean?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Then I do not see the point." "Where, then?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered at my remark. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful other lovers by making love himself." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs chair. "On the contrary, this is the right side." other means.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this chance at all." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I am sure." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after retorted upon me, and I on you." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "That also I could fathom." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up The events in question occurred in the early days of my waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "What, then?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven use an arc-and-compass breastpin." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out business." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I think it very unlikely." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "So I have heard." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly thin, with a long, sharp nose?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch always that they were such commands as a lady might with he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with lost his Christmas dinner." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Street. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "What have you done?" asked Holmes. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her weigh very heavily upon my conscience." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. again." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for again." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my orange pips. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight