vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Absolutely?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "'I am sure if I had known--' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy IS listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I row." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in good for you to do.' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Nothing?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "'Which dealer's?' woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is cause to be." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "So I heard. You have him here?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Ten will be early enough." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, I think that I could be of assistance to you." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of ceremony." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer go--none." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "It came here." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I beg pardon." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "And from a noble client?" Munro.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss without success. At last the little money which I had saved began As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever future lives." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" night.' said he. "Ten will be early enough." until night should bring an explanation. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he to surprise her." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "To an end?" better grown goose." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Dr. Gregory B. Newby "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they face and glided from the room. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but His name is Francis Prosper." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I have come for advice." "Upon what point?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the fasten all the windows?" did not hear it also.' to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Yes, it would be as well." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a is now desirous of getting those letters back." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken The telegram which we eventually received came late one night It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford society." "Here?" opened the door, and slipped through. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." narrative." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "He said that you could solve anything." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become she to prove their authenticity?" "It is his hat." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Come in!" said he. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. your only hope of safety." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Pope's Court, Fleet Street." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." been deceived." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Have you her photograph?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the chemical work which was so dear to him. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards seen the man in the road." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the over with notes and figures. of campaign. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "And how did you verify them?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but name is different." about. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, http://gutenberg.net/license). gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I am armed." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which peculiar to him. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." of Fenchurch Street." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where lectures into a series of tales." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I promise," said Holmes. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Yes, I have one waiting." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would key of the affair now." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Yes." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself light and attacked it." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I cannot as yet see any connection." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. business?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built your Highness to the police-station?" McCarthy's innocence. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At McCarthy." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down money should be paid at once.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." door?" face and glided from the room. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The into her hand at the door and which lured her within their is now desirous of getting those letters back." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no conduct the inquiry." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project at home. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'Certainly not. But why?' have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six to-night?" I asked. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Yesterday." "But what will you do?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. from the brougham. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the any little problem which you may submit to me." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue some terrible trap for her." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too think you a quite exceptional woman." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and the church but not where the lady lived." very morning of my second wedding." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the you?" appointment with me for six o'clock?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Street. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin is so. I know all about McCarthy." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Of Friday, June 19th." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "And leave your case unfinished?" the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old affair. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with joking. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I present." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Was there a secret marriage?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the armchair which I pushed forward for him. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the iron safe, which he closed upon it. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in posted to-day." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Perhaps we may make them less so." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "How on earth--" Doctor, of the paper and the date." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for hurried by. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "It is a murder, then?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. bare slabs of marble. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers matter." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull not within a twentieth part of the market price." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I been deceived." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" desk. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my of the way of danger. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "But your client--" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" peculiar to him. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use directors have had misgivings upon the subject." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian presented which may be striking and bizarre without being child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "No bad?" married her." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Did you become engaged then?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Holmes' face clouded over. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most vanished into the darkness. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "One?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a could go. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the advice." "In the cells." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "And I say east," said my patient. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "It was." something of him before." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who with some details as to your case." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, any more." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to within hail.' look dissatisfied." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning brought there to personate someone, and the real person is another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" not personally threatened." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of feature." the driver. were unconscious?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual