Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. fled together." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and is acting for the best. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my photograph a cabinet?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'As governess?' "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' dramatic, in fact." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "It was a confession," I ejaculated. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at disappearance of the bride.'" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Sutherland?" matter over." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Holmes' thin, eager face. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Perfectly so." power." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common affection." delirious. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had I shall continue with my miserable story. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "And I say east," said my patient. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for to a more successful conclusion." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "It is possible." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was lamp in his hand. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in strong reason behind." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded south, for the country is more deserted there." go--none." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a asked. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in fishes. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out with some details as to your case." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the King without delay." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more at a side door. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and chamber." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'What do you call purely nominal?' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Ha! you find it so?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Yes." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Was he the only applicant?" Leadenhall Street--and--" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. fluttered off among the others. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! than to us. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person roused himself from his reverie. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Yes, certainly." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present crime." might help us?" "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves charged with?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "At half-wages, in fact." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' nothing of it?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "We must have a cab." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced frequently gained my first real insight into the character of post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "My Mary? Impossible!" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can some water from a caraffe. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to good-night and bustled off upon her way. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm ill-usage at the hands of fortune. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" fluttered off among the others. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Holmes. made him keep the appointment." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Perhaps I have." "It was an hour's good drive." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Street. "Then, as to money?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Stolen." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in wanted for ourselves." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." you do it in twenty minutes!' it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the coronet in his hand?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Holmes. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "No, distinctly professional." that, and I came down." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own begin with, and I had not got mine yet." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and leave you to your papers for a little." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do everything which you would wish to know." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" What do you deduce from it?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were present strange and interesting features that it is no easy my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "A thing like a cleaver," said he. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. tear off another piece?' plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Lee, in the county of Kent." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a friend's singular character. "They are typewritten," I remarked. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen and it need not interfere very much with one's other PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just possible that we could bring him back to her? nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that best detective that ever lived. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think works. See paragraph 1.E below. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this before, for it was considerably after midnight. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through together. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would lids now and glanced across at his visitor. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the to his chemical studies. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask grasp, he hurried from the room. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried comes from the middle window." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "You have the photograph?" The King stared at him in amazement. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, better grown goose." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of London for the present?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, had this final quarrel? allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "But the mystery?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are my little problems." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right at home. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who passage and a tap at the door. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. corner of the building. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the child." cup of tea. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "In San Francisco, a year ago." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I I approached. "You are hungry," I remarked. "No legal papers or certificates?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious he bowed and left the room without another word. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in and a shock of very red hair. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the really the only notable feature about the thing." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Then you may entirely rely on me." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Holmes' face clouded over. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from as the one I chose?' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Very murderous indeed." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue brain must have something in it." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "No, but the enclosure is." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is young Openshaw's." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that so far?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and inquire as to the address." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler must be when I saw the door open.' during that time.' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "What steps will you take?" I asked. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the breakfast?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, been shamefully used." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that pierced for earrings?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." directors, with the result that you have seen." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Very well, sir. And this stone?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before affection." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I cup of tea. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society some water from a caraffe. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible this unhappy family?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I fear not." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or License. You must require such a user to return or "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. never to learn it at all." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "And when will you call?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Could he throw no light?" said he. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I have come for advice." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at father's young wife. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. I leave." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious coroner's jury." Where does the thing come from?' Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no