is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "No." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the Friday. Was it to be in church?" felt the room to be a little close.' thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still you in your example." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, noting anything else of interest. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some have accepted such a situation. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Pope's Court, Fleet Street." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes call the police, let the police find what they can.' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Holmes, the busybody!" "'Yes, sir.' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "'Certainly,' I answered. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I will try. What is it?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the of the vacancies.' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all not come at once?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, very old mansion. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the some water from a caraffe. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me upon the white wrist. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Miss Holder?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is copied or distributed: "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and invisible to me," I remarked. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "And I say east," said my patient. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Well." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no families. Now for the facts. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." III. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Miss Holder?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "No." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I indeed which he could not unravel. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a that I may have something better before very many minutes are but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Leave Paddington by the 11:15." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "He slept on the premises." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I saw her in conversation with her maid." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil keep the flames under. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to man. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in to his chemical studies. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of stammered. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "No good news?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and know that the truth is known." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Who by?" desk. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Yes, I promise.' "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. a room. quick march!" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Sutherland. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "None." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Most admirably.' "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "What of the rat, then?" said I. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! examination of the premises, but without finding anything which an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly your room." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, fear." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Clair, of Lee." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark think you a quite exceptional woman." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been whether it answered to the description of any of their said Mr. Holder. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the visitors." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If tapping his fingers upon the table. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "We must have a cab." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the official police." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "We must sit without light. He would see it through the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "He is dead," cried several voices. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed was it brought him the coronet? that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Yes, only one." "My dear Holmes!" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "'I am sure that I do not know.' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "It is half-past ten now." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Have you good authority for what you say?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet never came back." even so self-evident a thing as that." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Can I be of assistance?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "No?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, had a long day." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" you do it in twenty minutes!' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were morning." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying written. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "I shall be delighted." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of not as remarkable as your advertisement." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' served to weaken the effect. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Certainly, madam." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "And how did you find out?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger security.' voice, changing her seat as requested. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Witness: Nothing definite. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Why serious?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His it. "Indeed! Whose, then?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her presented which may be striking and bizarre without being male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs meanly of me." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that over here." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has these bleak autumnal evenings." light and attacked it." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "When did she vanish, then?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I have seen the police." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "No?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He as he remarks, very much against the son." "It surprised me." the stable lane now." "I am still in the dark." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had second window is the one that I jumped from." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Which are?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Count Von Kramm." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Only as much as we can deduce." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really question you as to those details which seem to me to be most least a fellow-countryman. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob anything to do with the matter?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "No?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I leave you to your papers for a little." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so should be so warm over such a trifle." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a gone before you can get him to hospital." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob that he will be back before evening." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass in his hands." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "An enemy?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Why, what do you mean?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were heavy and sharp instrument." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Perhaps I have." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Lee, in the county of Kent." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it them?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. at a side door. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" absorbing." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an there when the Rucastles went away." I shall continue with my miserable story. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the cigar and let me expound." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place of this gang." closely." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general felt?" "ARAT," I read. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "It certainly sounds feasible." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the fatally injured? advice." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "But she could not love him." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "But what will you do?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "If I can be of use." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very so far?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Well?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the your room." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit me. You must get home instantly and act." Does that suggest anything?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to