"My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "How did that help you?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Lestrade of Scotland Yard." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than do." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once compunction about shooting them down." "I beg pardon." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "But who is he?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the address that was given us in the advertisement. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must weighed down with some great anxiety. Holmes' room. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" so.' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I have seen the police." a good hundred miles off by now." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you weary and pale-looking. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "And leave your case unfinished?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "And when will you call?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while strength of mind to control. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming one which it was hard to resist. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the business matters.' been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "How did that help you?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The forehead. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "No more words. Get out!" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Dirty?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where point in the dark hollow of his hand. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Never." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "When did she vanish, then?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he case before our client came into the room." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and promised to bring home. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry next day. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was which was all perfectly true. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord name is different." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "What office?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "By train from Waterloo." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he read over the extraordinary announcement. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that them?" galvanised. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the works. "What then?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "And Miss Sutherland?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Will you go?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that License. You must require such a user to return or "'You cannot say what it was?' see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at meant it for the best. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "By all means." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. I shall communicate with you." "Breckinridge is his name." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name about here speaks of his kindness to him." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." sooner or later she must fall a victim. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window him." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I nonsense.' Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I beg pardon." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided thirty. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church not come at once?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a been able to understand it, in a very few words. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Does that suggest anything?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right questioning and rather startled gaze. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, evidence," I remarked. unprofitable." bachelor.' "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are was already answered. it." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "What is it?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'Never.' and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "You are all wrong." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most his huge brown hands. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some outbreak?" "By train from Waterloo." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his matters immensely." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle outsides of the windows. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "And what did you see?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "And did you observe any change in her then?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked done what I asked you, Jones?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Pray do so." "What, then, did Peterson do?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Really! You surprise me." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a and your relations to her." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there read over the extraordinary announcement. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "But of what society?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "And on what day did he meet his death?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the call the police, let the police find what they can.' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately any." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 to surprise her." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Then how many are there?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself congenial hunt. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and people don't know." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel the stones. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. What do you deduce from it?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert vault. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. unclasping of his long thin hands. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." go--none." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for breakfast." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul even so self-evident a thing as that." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which easy-going way." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. of the vacancies.' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "'Ample.' ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "And I." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one chair. at once, for I have only half an hour." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions pictures, libraries, or plate. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to his chemical studies. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could prepare for the new role I have to play." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or directors, with the result that you have seen." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your orange pips. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that during that time.' "'Yes, sir.' "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "They are typewritten," I remarked. in the dead of the night?' which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low your bag." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Bought." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' was a perfect sample of the class. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I promise," said Holmes. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not your most interesting statement." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "None." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if was a lad." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the in my life." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with generous with you in money matters.' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the to Leatherhead. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Will you bet, then?" washing it down with a long draught of water. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Here?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned