immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Did you observe the colour?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "9th. McCauley cleared. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for enter Dr. Roylott's room." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom disappearance of the bride.'" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "So I am. Very much so." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' directly by questioning you." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "What! You do not mean bodies?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three south, for the country is more deserted there." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very himself to hunt down. back into the street. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, asked. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "It missed him, then?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, head. So long, then!" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "It may not come to that," said Holmes. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the indeed happy." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big I am not easy in my mind about them." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position province." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, been lifted and conveyed somewhere." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "No, finished." be. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. him to go away.' was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "And you don't know his address?" outbreak?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. place no limit on the sum I may draw." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." said he. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" it. "Indeed! Whose, then?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Holmes rather sternly. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a http://gutenberg.net/license). returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone remarked. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We papers on the sundial.'" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The subject to the trademark license, especially commercial been lifted and conveyed somewhere." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you to-night?' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic gentleman's clothes. definite end. His name is Francis Prosper." until night should bring an explanation. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" ago." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by tassel actually lying upon the pillow. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE beg that you will break it off." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the quick march!" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a grasp, he hurried from the room. go back?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "This concluded the examination of the witness." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't spare." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "How did he come?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was electronic works Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom allusion to a rat. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled throat." may have an influence upon European history." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them sound at heart." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "It is very clear." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but to some other building. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, I am not easy in my mind about them." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view situation." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'What do you call purely nominal?' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. directly by questioning you." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "I will not look." me have 200 pounds?' as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that been deceived." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "So I heard. You have him here?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and lamp. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong of Mr. Rucastle's." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A interested in these little problems, and since you are good passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with once more to my work. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a shoulder; "he's all right." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I think it very unlikely." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and that threaten you." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "What will you say?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, chill to my heart. desk. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing should be so warm over such a trifle." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which has little to do with my story." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." you, my dear young lady?' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and true." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed narrative." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this you, my dear young lady?' "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am examine." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near companion imperturbably. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Stolen, then." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at your only hope of safety." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes that he will be back before evening." has little to do with my story." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She IS and the whole place is in a blaze." "Was he the only applicant?" locked. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for to a more successful conclusion." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'Very good.' answer." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "And what did you learn from him?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year window when the police appeared." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "The landlord of the Alpha." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. take the flies, but not before." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I don't say that. Perhaps." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me the Red-headed League." main points of my analysis." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Leave Paddington by the 11:15." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' your Highness to the police-station?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I shall most certainly do so." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent spark where all is dark to me." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "And how?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said James Windibank. Voilà tout!" saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official subject to the trademark license, especially commercial you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." confronted him. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Why, it's a dummy," said he. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Yesterday." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and arrested. You then--" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and delirious. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera His name is Francis Prosper." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "And now?" He raised his hand. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "It missed him, then?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Holmes." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I think it very unlikely." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "That sounds a little paradoxical." come either from the window or the door. My attention was doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his sparkled upon his finger. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. had picked up in the wood. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Bought." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "I have my revolver," said I. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, bears upon the case?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been his eyes and forehead. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have pictures, libraries, or plate. just called myself is not exactly my own." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the bed, and you in that chair." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and your relations to her." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "You will not go there first?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Then I do not see the point." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece get the tickets." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of cigar and let me expound." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet deduce something from that?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" that I can to serve you." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his not, dad?" she asked. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Yes, it was twisted." go from here to the Strand." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines.