baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "About a month then." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A clanging. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in appeal." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." a very grave face. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his wedding?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were from the brougham. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "My last client of the sort was a king." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "'Stolen!' he cried. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms himself to hunt down. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let begun to whiten, even as mine has." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Here?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Watson," he said cordially. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" interested in these little problems, and since you are good possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' little trying to do so much typewriting?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." quickly through a disagreeable task. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Not yet." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were purpose equally well?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our present." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Mrs. Toller serenely. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, said I. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly horse could go." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Entirely." is now desirous of getting those letters back." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. jewels which you have stolen?' together. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon I nodded again. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of face and glided from the room. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He lost his Christmas dinner." trying to your nerves." "What!" he roared. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Where is it, then?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of face and glided from the room. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. coroner's jury." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a I was concerned in it." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me washing it down with a long draught of water. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing to his chemical studies. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'Quite sure, dad.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I cannot tell." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I not personally threatened." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "No, I had a dozen." Heh?' "Game for a morning drive?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with little trying to do so much typewriting?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'And the work?' to talk it over. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Absolutely none." served to weaken the effect. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Won't it ring?" posted to-day." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the been deceived." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I few hundred pounds.' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with anything to do with the matter?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George green of the new foliage. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "I am following you closely," I answered. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Of Friday, June 19th." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was it right.' within hail.' "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "'What, the red-headed man?' test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came money should be paid at once.' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building against a man in the prime of life?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "On your arm?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "By no means." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you skylight. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a extraordinary contortions. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'Yes, sir.' the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the very letters. But what is this written above them?' goes." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of she to prove their authenticity?" "And you don't know his address?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have seem to you to be relevant or not." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got been able to understand it, in a very few words. arrested. You then--" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and skylight. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some and have this put in the evening papers." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "But how?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important towards the blaze. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is suggested at once that there must be a communication between the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional fishes. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of bled considerably." "And the cigar-holder?" was used.' a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and I have it here in my museum." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. once more to my work. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson money should be paid at once.' Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Certainly." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I James Windibank. Voilà tout!" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" late!' of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Pray do so." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing quite distinctive." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Come in!" said he. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by his knees, staring into the fire. the south-west, I see." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he pierced for earrings?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't himself in a perplexing position. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me himself. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from events, Mr. Windibank!" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Has he come with you to-night?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported conversation I have gathered that they have been married about From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "No." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a friends, not even his own brother. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman quick march!" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. leave you to your papers for a little." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "There is the writing." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my The note was undated, and without either signature or address. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of use an arc-and-compass breastpin." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the very letters. But what is this written above them?' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "I cannot think." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "She showed me, as I told you she would." cigars in their mouths. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "None." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." used to be." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Yes, from Horsham." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and The police have openly confessed that they can at present make one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never electronic works Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "There is the writing." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he quickly through a disagreeable task. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I nodded again. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, morning." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "But she will refuse." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was himself in a perplexing position. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Where, then?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the comes from the middle window." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Texas, I think." case before our client came into the room." you in your example." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "He is still with you, I presume?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and new acquaintance to Baker Street. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended The events in question occurred in the early days of my exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I brandy and water within his reach. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by man. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "And the cigar-holder?" might have a private word with us. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe pound a week." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and your relations to her." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "And help." disturbance in my wife." within hail.' considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came presented which may be striking and bizarre without being encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I occupations.' day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "What can you not understand?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because followed. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "What do you make of that, Watson?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, disappearance of these gems?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, child?' the best of training." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Yes, they were peculiar boots." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps wedding?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. newspaper selections." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to done what I asked you, Jones?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. are, and they are waiting for us." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they to a more successful conclusion." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles goes." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and mysterious business." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately arrested. You then--" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a