key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. digesting their breakfasts at home." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended nights." I took the paper from him and read as follows: only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." salesman. "9th. McCauley cleared. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in success. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I will, Miss Turner." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. more solid." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised once more for Briony Lodge. crowd. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Why, what do you mean?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "You think so, too?" beyond words. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'What, the red-headed man?' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. had formerly been in part my own. Again Holmes raved in the air. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a matter." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy with you alone." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" were wasted." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms open." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property said I. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic advice." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened bed dies. Does not that strike you?" sparkled upon his finger. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The brandy and water within his reach. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'Is 4 pounds a week.' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some thought that she would have been so carried away." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note for its centre. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which she slowly sank and died without having recovered her innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'You cannot say what it was?' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door felt the room to be a little close.' "Ah, but I was recommended to you." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "The Cedars?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, a room. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Of what?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Yes." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "What do you mean?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "No, I think that I'll take it." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And it is--" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" have not had my rubber." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into in the port of London." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Where to?' Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions stepfather?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, occupations.' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite for the market.' roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to point in the dark hollow of his hand. astonishment. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. taking in every detail of the apartment. over here." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "He slept on the premises." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would highly," said Holmes. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Could he throw no light?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." how narrow had been my escape. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Not I." "And now?" He raised his hand. October 9, 1890. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'Never,' said I. weighed down with some great anxiety. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "So I have heard." there in twenty minutes." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus weighed down with some great anxiety. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me sufficient punishment." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, breakfast?" "And the cigar-holder?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we despaired of." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I do." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "At the wedding breakfast." "That was it, sir." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay reach." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, my little problems." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "I cannot say that I have." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his look upon these things in a different way." "'Why that?' I asks. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Murdered?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "No, I had a dozen." answered with a sidelong glance. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Yes, sir." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "No." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have which I could not give. He asked for Alice. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "A client, then?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such your co-operation." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Literary Archive Foundation to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "What are they?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, advice." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" seem to you to be relevant or not." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding at a side door. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. you want, then?' "On Monday." it were putty." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "We have tried and failed." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am of Mr. Rucastle's." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the more terrible than the truth. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. get her out of the way." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the breakfast?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Mary, has deserted me." "I know where it is." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the existence." the very morning of the wedding." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up wall." will not take me long to tell. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Ah, but I was recommended to you." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few wedding?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." companion imperturbably. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the and no precautions can guard against." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the said he. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Chief Executive and Director "Quite so. She has her freedom." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "That is possible." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking late!' the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he remarked. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my weighed down with some great anxiety. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late official police." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "VIOLET HUNTER." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. who was a member of your goose club." Henry Baker is a member." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it long narrative. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "You were travelling in the States?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "To an English lawyer named Norton." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual to-night?" I asked. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "But what is it you wish?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and not fit the lock." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm is four-and-twenty." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Yes, from Horsham." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what towards the blaze. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I saw her in conversation with her maid." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "And is that all?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. is now desirous of getting those letters back." acted in my house last night?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his strong and stiff." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place