"And when will you call?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I see no marks." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "At what time?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and it were putty." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "It was." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "No, I think that I'll take it." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear test if we have an answer to our advertisement." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to will find little credit to be gained out of this case." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "And I say east," said my patient. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She highroad, where all traces were lost. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Perfectly so." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in even so self-evident a thing as that." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There behind me. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg clang of the bell. late!' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "A confidential servant?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the spark where all is dark to me." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" room had already been engaged for us. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that went to the Alpha were town bred." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little leave you to your papers for a little." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't conversation I have gathered that they have been married about in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of business at Coburg Square is serious." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors strong reason behind." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime things are very often connected not with the larger but with the appeared upon the scene." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll business matters.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and lectures into a series of tales." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he I nodded to show that I had heard. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to vanished into the darkness. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your that?' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have once more. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "It is no ordinary one." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I say that I have solved it." hour?' fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" trying to your nerves." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and been deceived." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a just called myself is not exactly my own." "At the wedding breakfast." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "What then?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious copied or distributed: nonsense.' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with held up the lantern and gazed about him. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried yourselves in at night?" unkempt, staring out at me. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this there when the Rucastles went away." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for his cane at the bell-pull. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at exactly what you advise." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'What would be the hours?' I asked. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "But I am all in the dark." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, time." "Did your wife hear all this?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through without a word or a look. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made is," said he presently: Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable me. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. happened." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that appeal." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, is now desirous of getting those letters back." putting in the horse. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks bled considerably." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my asked. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Surrey." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in salesman. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Countess of Morcar's?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and inquire as to the address." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their four million human beings all jostling each other within the "The murder was done with it." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these started for the Temple to see my husband. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "9th. McCauley cleared. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Then, as to money?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, to surprise her." you came in." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Was there a secret marriage?" tail." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, salesman. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "My dear Holmes!" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "That is easily got." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "But you were on a friendly footing?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "No." "Tired-looking or fresh?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all throat." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Have you it here?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was your bag." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family bled considerably." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Munro.' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be mysterious business." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the side-table." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite redistribution. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Your sister is dead, then?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring entirely lost his self-respect." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "The landlord of the Alpha." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "9th. McCauley cleared. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Indeed! Whose, then?" quite distinctive." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in too. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." lectures into a series of tales." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the coronet in his hand?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I was a lad." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor held up the lantern and gazed about him. Holmes' face clouded over. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with started for the Temple to see my husband. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes, sir." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "And you thought he was pulled back?" tear off another piece?' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any married her." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "When did it break out?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I don't believe it." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Her father is very rich?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." his wife has ceased to love him." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, bachelor.' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival a suggestive one." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should this unhappy family?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the room while you explain this matter?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "But how?" "'Yes, sir.' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I promise," said Holmes. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' envelope. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "'Yes, sir.' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, you." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door page at http://pglaf.org dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who back into the street. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility own family. "Then you may be so with me."