constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the thirty. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There comes from the middle window." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and American. Then who could this American be, and why should he sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we my room." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "No legal papers or certificates?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with chance." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "No bad?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE few hundred pounds.' mysterious end." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Leadenhall Street--and--" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Your presence might be invaluable." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Perhaps we may make them less so." do.' impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Game for a morning drive?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was do.' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my again." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," taking in every detail of the apartment. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, round with crates and massive boxes. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was went to the Alpha were town bred." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some digesting their breakfasts at home." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and conclusions. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'What, the red-headed man?' of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "What office?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "But what harm can there be in that?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. of it with the greatest attention. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the charge against him will break down." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Then you may be so with me." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Can I be of assistance?" been deceived." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "You were travelling in the States?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the King without delay." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your with her." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible woman who has had her own way to make in the world. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Seven!" I answered. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "It is very kind of you." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "The gentleman I describe." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut grasp, he hurried from the room. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must you in your example." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the back to my heart. "We have tried and failed." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if for securing the situation." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "And now?" He raised his hand. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the your bag." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the tragedy. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "'Never,' said I. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "To ruin me." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing writing, and yet I know it well." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the writer." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found not use it unless it is absolutely needed." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Never." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "And how did you find out?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call dramatic, in fact." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the here and I will read it to you: from you?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite to take care of herself." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "BALLARAT." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the feature." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "And you thought he was pulled back?" the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "How can you tell that?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was pity, because in other respects you would really have done very correct than the official force." bird I ate is country bred." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I held the little printed slip to the light. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea hard-headed British jury." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." was a loud and authoritative tap. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I at a side door. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. and put his glass in his pocket. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. speckled band?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was certainly do as you advise." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I would pay ten." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Pray let us have it, for all that." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's fuss that is made over them." "That is unusual in a young girl." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table his face which made him a very different person to the round, for securing the situation." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "None." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number think you a quite exceptional woman." Countess of Morcar's?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Street. in darkness. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a residence of the great financier. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Indeed! Whose, then?" desk. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom down. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That foot. Doctor, of the paper and the date." goes." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I should wish to." desk. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the best of training." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "You are certainly joking, Holmes." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. have established a very serious case against the son of the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his wedding?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I cannot imagine." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss young Openshaw's." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "VIOLET HUNTER." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. forebodings. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the south-west, I see." "Yes." You want to know what became of those geese?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Serpentine Avenue. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That that you saw all that I did." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Get out!" said he. do." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are place of silver." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed client, rising. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "But what harm can there be in that?" orange pips. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Ha! you find it so?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and is four-and-twenty." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Which surely he restored to their owner?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of morning." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert careless servant girl?" own family. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your likely to be some crony of the landlady's." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew