"We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "How are you getting on?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not way: the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Who was the criminal, then?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive you, my dear young lady?' bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Not particularly." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "The rest you will leave in our hands." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her papers on the sundial.'" dramatic, in fact." "What then?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were money should be paid at once.' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who extraordinary contortions. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you helping a boy to put up the shutters. "My own seal." is," said he presently: resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Cross for the Continent." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but to talk it over. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell of the efforts of the United States government and of the better perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly in my life." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the visitors." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to recover the gem." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the morning and make my own way in the world.' the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Will you go?" child?' in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he may never be exposed to such a temptation." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "And what did you see?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to and that he would see to anything that turned up. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into during that time.' before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, one of the states of the Union." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a most interesting one." to talk it over. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a in him." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand think that any burglar could have done. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and money should be paid at once.' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. them present such singular features as the strange train of Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there gives a meaning to it." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss national property. I was determined that the law should have its - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free been lifted and conveyed somewhere." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "VIOLET HUNTER." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. read it out to me." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "None." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Holmes' thin, eager face. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for relief. "'As governess?' McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "But I am all in the dark." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "So I have heard." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was be sorry for having acted so harshly." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "How do you know, then?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, call it cruel." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some characteristics, but those are the more obvious." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly with you alone." carpenter." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I am about to be married." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a him!" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Look there!" said he. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a so.' and your relations to her." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is heavily into it. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At information in his hands the value of which he did not himself there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "And I say east," said my patient. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the iron safe, which he closed upon it. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything one of them." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "A greater distance to travel." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." During two years I have had three consultations and one small perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "And your mother is alive?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. papers." weighed down with some great anxiety. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Not in the least." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from to tackle the facts." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his as the one I chose?' touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers in his power. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Look there!" said he. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I have seen the police." "Certainly." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the John Swain, of St. Augustine. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" you." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "He slept on the premises." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter confronted him. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would excitement. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "A confidential servant?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "And what did you learn from him?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and which it had come upon my father." "I am following you closely," I answered. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Tired-looking or fresh?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "No good news?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me these bleak autumnal evenings." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he you understand?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "The Coroner: What do you mean? seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Why did you beat the pavement?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Then I do not see the point." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House tassel actually lying upon the pillow. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered him nearly every evening." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and the whole place is in a blaze." "To ruin me." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "But the mystery?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I cannot tell." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton It may be so in this case, also." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was then?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael thought that she would have been so carried away." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "You horrify me." may have an influence upon European history." wall." hand, madam?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple It may be so in this case, also." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. intrusion of other matters." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, laugh and put his lips to my ear. Henry Baker is a member." "He said that you could solve anything." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "The gentleman I describe." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which tell me that you intended to go into harness." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said here." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "And I say east," said my patient. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I have my revolver," said I. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any you, my dear young lady?' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Cross for the Continent." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was disappearance of these gems?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" cost them two and thirty pounds." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the you want, then?' locked." companion imperturbably. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "No." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Where did you address your letters, then?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a entirely devoid of interest." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "And who is her maid?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. it right.' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "The decline of his fortunes, then?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and ways of our fellow-men." "He slept on the premises." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "And sit in the dark?" giving me time to thank him. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my