"You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "You will not go there first?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room meant." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were desk. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door imbecility!" he cried. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, waste of energy." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "'A dozen yards or so.' relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat gbnewby@pglaf.org nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the existence." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. later, upon the night of May 2nd." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the of the vacancies.' "Won't it ring?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Who was the criminal, then?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you second." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "He is still with you, I presume?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight stood on the top of it. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the get her out of the way." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. My friend smiled. enter Dr. Roylott's room." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "And your father? Did you tell him?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "To the police?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Nothing." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "And how have you succeeded?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Very truly yours, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I am in hopes that she does." "You saw the ventilator, too?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been McCarthy's innocence. "Only as much as we can deduce." very morning of my second wedding." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I this Miss Turner." "Yes, that is the Crown." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Get out!" said he. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key happened." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may do you make of it all?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Then I do not see the point." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has points in connection with it which never have been, and probably central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "What then?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital definite end. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed way: without success. At last the little money which I had saved began passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated amused." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "But he might be a bachelor." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. will not take me long to tell. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On my former friend and companion. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when too. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very upon the shelf for the interim." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Never." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the you, my dear young lady?' brain must have something in it." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in promised to bring home. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his pierced for earrings?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "And your father? Did you tell him?" I nodded to show that I had heard. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it to tackle the facts." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to quickly through a disagreeable task. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "But you would not advise me to refuse?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" matter over." "That sounds a little paradoxical." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Why did you pick him?" hard-headed British jury." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "I have a cab outside." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "How often?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" better in every way that they should make their position a little in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any *** START: FULL LICENSE *** companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Of what?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "If so, much may have happened between." are, and they are waiting for us." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice here and I will read it to you: confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. breakfast?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight to his chemical studies. pressing in one house as in another. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the me what he had done with the three missing stones. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, what do you think they found in the pockets?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "She told me to ask you." "You did not overhear what they said?" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, something of him before." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been seven miles from Eyford Station.' Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my page at http://pglaf.org unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'Quite sure, dad.' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "What can it mean?" I gasped. row." bare slabs of marble. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the my special province." be sorry for having acted so harshly." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Lee, in the county of Kent." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We it right.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "No, my brougham is waiting." wife's character?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'Stolen!' he cried. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." note?" "Witness: Nothing definite. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or good-night and bustled off upon her way. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out certainly do as you advise." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Precisely." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for and a shock of very red hair. appeal." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from occurred." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and it need not interfere very much with one's other "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. front of me. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger soul! here is her carriage at the door." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were trying to your nerves." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and that he will be back before evening." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted out of this horrible affair." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Precisely." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get his knees, staring into the fire. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent or in danger--" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he dear old homesteads?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me awkward doing business with an alias." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "What have you to say now?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a helping a boy to put up the shutters. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive distinguish the words: liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "None. Neville wrote those words." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the south-west, I see." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the