who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "It was." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "My photograph." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and have I gained?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "No." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that for securing the situation." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I depend upon my doing so.' four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "But the mystery?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Does that suggest anything?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own there were one or two details which were new to me. But the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "You horrify me!" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Who by?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "But I am all in the dark." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for I approached. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely and that he would see to anything that turned up. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout During two years I have had three consultations and one small they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg to have been novel and of interest." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see was not a bird to be seen there. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching lamp in his hand. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "And did you observe any change in her then?" closing the door. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to your Highness to the police-station?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me little trying to do so much typewriting?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "You have but to name it." was a lad." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "'I shall certainly be there.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the station." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with delighted to hear it," he said. "'What do you call purely nominal?' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight at my own good fortune. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a golden eyeglasses. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with and the whole place is in a blaze." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "On the contrary, this is the right side." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a to surprise her." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I developed." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the said he. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy seen the man in the road." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. It may be so in this case, also." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase been lifted and conveyed somewhere." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little some mystery and the punishment of some crime." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "He disappeared so suddenly." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter both be extremely obliged.' him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. galvanised. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his young Openshaw's." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if weapon." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "It was an hour's good drive." not fit the lock." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time way: whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City of your young ladies.' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with felt?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in suspect him." lectures into a series of tales." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, three fields round his house, and there he would take his charged with?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Get out!" said he. place no limit on the sum I may draw." the night.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an used to be." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you heavy and sharp instrument." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I rat could hardly pass through." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the never came back." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Well, it is a possible supposition." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to back alive. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. money should be paid at once.' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was question. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Yes." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. absorbing." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City respectable self." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We pictures, libraries, or plate. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and laid it on the table. like that before?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Then I shall certainly come." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Very truly yours, what these perils are?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." clang of the bell. ashen face. ran thus: "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own his forehead." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I tell me that you intended to go into harness." touch that coronet?' "No, my brougham is waiting." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "What is it, then--a fire?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her careless servant girl?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'Yes.' urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand this man was intellectual?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Then the page we have seen--" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "I would pay ten." overpowering excitement and concern. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning interests were the same as his." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell habit of advancing money.' any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Not him." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when unprecedented a position." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day weigh very heavily upon my conscience." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "No. His orders were to stay in the house." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face it? Did I buy the geese off you?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, over here." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I himself in a perplexing position. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free into the bag, and made for the door. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net detective. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" instituted." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "So I am. Very much so." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is photograph?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the coat-tails." orange pips. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "The landlord of the Alpha." and all of them with the keenest interest. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps him to go away.' tassel actually lying upon the pillow. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. depend upon my doing so.' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "And how in the world did you find them?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive his face. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them you understand?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his one's self under obligations.' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." happened." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "I have seen the police." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there sparkled upon his finger. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Then he might have called to you?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I will do it." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Nothing." stepfather?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. London for the present?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the prepare for the new role I have to play." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the coroner come to?" digesting their breakfasts at home." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked been with you?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into an introduction to him?" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'Yes, sir.' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were retorted upon me, and I on you." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "It surprised me." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias stammered. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though bare slabs of marble. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing