"Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I returning from some small jollification and was making his way studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Cross for the Continent." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, at the mines." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be later, upon the night of May 2nd." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. wedding?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "And your father? Did you tell him?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird fashion which was peculiar to him. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to interest. They are important, you understand, without being every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat be there in time for your coming." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and spare." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "What do you make of that, Watson?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, his face. "I don't believe it." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "You saw the ventilator, too?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I will not look." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, assist you in forming an opinion." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting bill, which interests me deeply." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." the so-precious time, but come!' bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very photograph a cabinet?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he vault. instincts rose up against that laugh. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; suddenly upon us." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "You know me, then?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "But I am all in the dark." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical occupations.' ways of our fellow-men." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Witness: Nothing definite. read it out to me." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' and that he would see to anything that turned up. if only as a check to my own memory." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, read over the extraordinary announcement. "It is possible." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. weighed down with some great anxiety. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "No, I am descending." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got gone before you can get him to hospital." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless examination of the premises, but without finding anything which bill, which interests me deeply." "And why?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I legal crime." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of the one which your family is now devouring." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," union?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Breckinridge is his name." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "And how in the world did you find them?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." your troubles." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her husband's writing, madam." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as sofa. This way, please!" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that was shining brightly. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the inner apartment." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and crowd. think that any burglar could have done. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him answered with a sidelong glance. "If so, much may have happened between." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Foundation "Will you go?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the of receipt of the work. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose already referred to. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this interested in these little problems, and since you are good so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Where, then?" I nodded to show that I had heard. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Where, then?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my lamp. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Witness: It was. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "What!" he roared. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, four million human beings all jostling each other within the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "What of the rat, then?" already been minutely examined." "You were travelling in the States?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary His smile broadened. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'Entirely.' the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Where, then, is my wife?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she upon the white wrist. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter a suggestive one." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "We were both in the photograph." "Not particularly." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Certainly, madam." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I am all attention, madam." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending you in your example." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I hardly wander." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in out." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a my room." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can not within a twentieth part of the market price." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Was there a secret marriage?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "What then?" have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "How many? I don't know." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter British peeress.'" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight money should be paid at once.' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the tragedy. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "'I shall certainly be there.' "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham looking up at the numbers of the houses." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put bird I ate is country bred." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of you do it in twenty minutes!' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' strength of mind to control. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the armchair which I pushed forward for him. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Your French gold?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond hands. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Always." take the flies, but not before." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "On your arm?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. matters immensely." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow bonnet, and went out." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning as this. Pray let me have the details." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get begin with, and I had not got mine yet." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "'As governess?' Watson," he said cordially. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do you." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small room had already been engaged for us. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass mystery." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a definite end. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is opportunities to fix the problem. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer himself to tell his story. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" like gravel from a pit.' events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted front of the hall door has given its name to the place. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all might help us?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this affection." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was particular state visit http://pglaf.org than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Street. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "On Monday." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "It is possible." read it out to me." "9th. McCauley cleared. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good But Holmes shook his head gravely. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" detective. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my fear." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of corner of the building. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the time." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot again on its way. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the bachelor.' that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "But your client--" even so self-evident a thing as that." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the papers diligently of late, have you not?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I never have." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out friends, not even his own brother. spark where all is dark to me." my little problems." gone. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and cigar and let me expound." did not hear it also.' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Was the window open?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "I assure you that I am in your hands." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. heavily into it. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' delirious. or in danger--" posted to-day." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family guilty one." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much discoloured patches by smearing them with ink.