"If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with chambers. "What office?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" any." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Not I." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. eavesdroppers?' "It is no ordinary one." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything yet." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double I. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the it." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in indiscretion." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE were wasted." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "How did you deduce the select?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress purpose equally well?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's address. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a McCarthy." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then fasten all the windows?" "Imitated." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something woman." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon ceremony." "And Irene Adler?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been round with crates and massive boxes. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each imbecility!" he cried. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side it right.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Eyford at 11:15.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand tail." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "It must be recovered." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that it." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Surrey." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Well." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Henry Baker is a member." in the dead of the night?' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two believe that I should never have any practice at all. thought that she would have been so carried away." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a new acquaintance to Baker Street. go back?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In bachelor.' "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' look dissatisfied." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "My own seal." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project purpose equally well?" the one as in the other." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There and inquire as to the address." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "In heaven's name, what for?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. drawing your inferences." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Was he the only applicant?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining I was concerned in it." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I suspect him." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "And you thought he was pulled back?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. touch that coronet?' "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the way in everything. be. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' himself. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of IS "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, status with the IRS. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. his cane at the bell-pull. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "The murder was done with it." case-book, which he consulted. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the morning and make my own way in the world.' the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at lamp in his hand. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our second." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "I was mad--insane." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is man. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets disappearance of the bride.'" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I came to find a friend." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but remarked. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, putting in the horse. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "And Miss Sutherland?" so far?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "10th. John Swain cleared. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed call it cruel." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "I will do it." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Dirty?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel second window is the one that I jumped from." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "In the cells." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a do." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my them?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the Red-headed League." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Where is it, then?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "But what harm can there be in that?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Then I do not see the point." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not evidence," I remarked. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him upon the shelf for the interim." chamber." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Why did you beat the pavement?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side been." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This it right.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average spark where all is dark to me." himself. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the warnings." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. so.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the drove away. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up passage and a tap at the door. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I weary and pale-looking. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "'Ten to two.' empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his fishes. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My garden below. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to acted in my house last night?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, unprofitable." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that with frightened eyes at his accuser. off." "Not him." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'I have already given you my word.' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'What, the red-headed man?' he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "That sounds a little paradoxical." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police any." existence." "How about poison?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "That is it on the dressing-table." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the to some other building. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out case before our client came into the room." too. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "9th. McCauley cleared. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' pound a week." once more for Briony Lodge. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by spark where all is dark to me." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you plantation.' vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Did your wife hear all this?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "If so, much may have happened between." gone. nonsense.' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence was not a bird to be seen there. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Was she in good spirits?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I promise," said Holmes. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A such attractions and accomplishments?' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still me where it went to?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many village inn over there?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Come in!" said Holmes. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of status with the IRS. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." to arrive at through this?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "'Never.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great ordinary clothes on?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It note?" "You horrify me." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the him." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the Red-headed League." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get