Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my weapon." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the chamber." "I cannot tell." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." examine." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "He might." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. do you make of it all?" invisible to me," I remarked. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and bachelor.' call you and give you the chance." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried stood on the top of it. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "You have carte blanche." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the be.' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and it need not interfere very much with one's other foot. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of together. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but ways of our fellow-men." papers must be those that are destroyed.' find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. may have an influence upon European history." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Yes, but only for you and me." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his troubles have been weighing upon his mind. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked feature." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Who was the criminal, then?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this to a more successful conclusion." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the best of training." "Thank you. And your address?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a to surprise her." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' sofa. This way, please!" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some you do it in twenty minutes!' I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Sholtos." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." main points of my analysis." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "No legal papers or certificates?" think, you have already met." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me bird of prey. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and late!' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. of the vacancies.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect with her." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never lamp in his hand. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. that you wished to speak to me?' every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Do you receive much company?" he asked. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "I will get her to show me." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We said he. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his which it had come upon my father." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the crime. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to arms and began to sob in a high treble key. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had a good hundred miles off by now." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, assist you in forming an opinion." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "And you don't know his address?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a are, I think, all that we need." is," said he presently: Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three gives a meaning to it." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "But I am all in the dark." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they and capable of preserving a secret.' could gather together that I was able to avert another public arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "In what way?" asked Holmes. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for wedding?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor in his power. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "We were both in the photograph." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a affair. into the room. "Yes." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "'What, the red-headed man?' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the for its centre. friend's singular character. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can during the last few years, and there are many noble families to borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Henry Baker is a member." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be who was a member of your goose club." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an rat could hardly pass through." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Not in the least." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of if only as a check to my own memory." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Not I." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she electronic works "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a salesman. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to be. once more to my work. you do it in twenty minutes!' hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "And I to find an enemy." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I should be immensely obliged to you." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. been with you?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your character. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'Ample.' to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "That is it on the dressing-table." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each would then never go into court at all." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Is he quiet?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I ways of our fellow-men." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a is now desirous of getting those letters back." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an I nodded again. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little my friend's incisive reasoning. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the there!' of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "But you can know nothing of this?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Look there!" said he. "That you are never beaten." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the girl said." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the night.' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how case-book, which he consulted. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far had a long day." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. suspect him." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and before, for it was considerably after midnight. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Indeed! Whose, then?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "But his lameness?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps or other trace. But how on earth--" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the DISSOLVED. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "It is very kind of you." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a done what I asked you, Jones?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the coronet in his hand?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I affection." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the himself. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, and your relations to her." not, dad?" she asked. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that second window is the one that I jumped from." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The already referred to. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "But his lameness?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "How did you deduce the select?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which business at Coburg Square is serious." "'About the same.' eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of there when the Rucastles went away." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' excitement. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to train.' had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed writing, and yet I know it well." "'About the same.' the inquest, and which are worth considering." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I undoubtedly my uncle's." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you manager. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Get out!" said he. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Proceed, then." coroner's jury." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "To an end?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "'Certainly not. But why?' the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Just look it up, then." "Holmes, the busybody!" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the that I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the o'clock is it?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "You are all wrong." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the matter?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, upon an income of about 60 pounds." Where does the thing come from?' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "But what is it you wish?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "I am armed." "Why serious?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "It is a murder, then?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he