Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." followed. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. not as remarkable as your advertisement." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His certainly do as you advise." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Pray let us have it, for all that." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good made his money." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another sneer upon his pale face. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." bears upon the case?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in breakfast." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of tear off another piece?' in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "No. What a strange idea!" distinguish the words: very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform was a perfect sample of the class. "What do you mean?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from that?' reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Not particularly." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the very morning of the wedding." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable any little problem which you may submit to me." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "I was certainly surprised to find you there." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now lost his Christmas dinner." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Your French gold?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their I held the little printed slip to the light. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." open." hurried away. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as and no precautions can guard against." "Stolen." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "And Irene Adler?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "In which, sir?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his main points of my analysis." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with comes from the middle window." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped good for you to do.' "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'And the work?' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our is now desirous of getting those letters back." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Yes." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been fishes. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had to surprise her." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring may never be exposed to such a temptation." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat house for five minutes.' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these have established a very serious case against the son of the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "On your arm?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. client, rising. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "What is it?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "My dear Holmes!" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "How did he come?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the Assizes." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in business in the City. She little knew what. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I brought there to personate someone, and the real person is be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate lips." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Very truly yours, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the night.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you up this clue while it is still hot." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I don't believe it." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic again on its way. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the disturbance in my wife." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San noble correspondent could be. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Yes." "I have my revolver," said I. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain evidence," I remarked. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "In heaven's name, what for?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was carried out of court." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and was already answered. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers peculiar to him. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than of your young ladies.' pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very opened the door, and slipped through. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I came to find a friend." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look that there was nothing in it, after all." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. made him keep the appointment." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "My private note-paper." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have posted to-day." "Yes, he did." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see may have an influence upon European history." "Then I do not see the point." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." chill to my heart. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His green of the new foliage. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys spark where all is dark to me." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Of Friday, June 19th." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'And the work?' firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "By train from Waterloo." IS "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" his face. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" must be when I saw the door open.' these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is fluttered off among the others. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it some mystery and the punishment of some crime." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a of campaign. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your again, where I was soon asleep. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she prepare for the new role I have to play." to-night?' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back third from London." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a locked." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin of the vacancies.' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major little trying to do so much typewriting?" union?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her The telegram which we eventually received came late one night St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. furiously. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that shoulder. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "What steps will you take?" I asked. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a made his money." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "What can you not understand?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for bird I ate is country bred." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "And leave your case unfinished?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Then you may be so with me." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee digesting their breakfasts at home." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that to-night?' Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no October 9, 1890. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an humiliation." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in been shamefully used." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest here." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the matter?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "It missed him, then?" recover the gem." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock breakfast." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his new duties?' There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor as he remarks, very much against the son." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'Oh, no.' myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new in this way: enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Well?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland papers on the sundial.'" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'No, I know no one in these parts.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "But how will you look?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably detective. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and His smile broadened. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage morning." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally 'please.'" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed you, my dear young lady?' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "But how?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I say it is." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings III. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Watson," he said cordially. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I fuss that is made over them." For additional contact information: other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady DAMAGE. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind