to where he stood hid behind the curtain. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "She will not sell." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew waste of energy." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the running down." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in careless servant girl?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I say it is." distinguish the words: the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is unprofitable." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by her also." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "What have you to say now?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have outside." John Swain, of St. Augustine. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but any little problem which you may submit to me." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the felt?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Ha! you find it so?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to is acting for the best. it." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure one of them." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." weary and pale-looking. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' closely." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "You have a clue?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my call the police, let the police find what they can.' husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search dead, shall be safe with us." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found said I. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, be. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, secret." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Frequently." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, confronted him. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no that you saw all that I did." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'About the same.' prove to be little relation between the different incidents of to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. seem to you to be relevant or not." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "The decline of his fortunes, then?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might your sleep?' is a common subject for conversation. "What then?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Just look it up, then." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" upon the sideboard." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "To an end?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the so-precious time, but come!' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "At half-wages, in fact." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Pool. "Where, then, is my wife?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for colonel looking down at me. crowd. best detective that ever lived. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I came to find a friend." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "How did you deduce the select?" "And it is--" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant people in all walks of life. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "How do you know, then?" "Witness: Nothing definite. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I am following you closely," I answered. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "He disappeared so suddenly." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I cannot say that I have." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good acquaintance?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Then you may entirely rely on me." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent to some other building. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not despaired of." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "That you are never beaten." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and a shock of very red hair. she to prove their authenticity?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have call you and give you the chance." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some head. So long, then!" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of good-night and bustled off upon her way. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "It is half-past ten now." was a lad." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been The telegram which we eventually received came late one night you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Then what has happened to him?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "That is unusual in a young girl." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate in a very precise fashion." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "How many? I don't know." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in were unconscious?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could photograph?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing opportunities to fix the problem. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "No legal papers or certificates?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you whether it answered to the description of any of their Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the are windows in it, of course?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the best of training." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "I was mad--insane." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Upon what point?" is acting for the best. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger to that open window." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, mysterious end." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have again on its way. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' only touch the interest." child?' promised to bring home. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "You are hungry," I remarked. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "'I am sure if I had known--' "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive wife's character?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' get the tickets." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the dangers which encompass me." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the station." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "No. His orders were to stay in the house." to a light-house. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must to a light-house. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads which I could not give. He asked for Alice. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself I leave." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental furiously. me upon any point which I do not make clear." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." soul! here is her carriage at the door." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped have got?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the The King stared at him in amazement. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Dark enough and sinister enough." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" correct than the official force." nonsense.' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." My friend smiled. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my said he. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a villagers almost as much as their master. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from newspaper selections." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a formed some opinion?" Pope's Court. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "And your mother is alive?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Holmes' thin, eager face. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' mystery." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called kindly on the shoulder. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or see me here to avoid scandal." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Again Holmes raved in the air. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. appeared upon the scene." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Upon what point?" jewels which you have stolen?' photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "How on earth--" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in easy-going way." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Come in!" said Holmes. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Proceed, then." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must had formerly been in part my own. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't meanly of me." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "The gentleman I describe." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I am all attention, madam." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "No." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at point in the dark hollow of his hand. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." pound a week." "What can it mean?" I gasped. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. of Fenchurch Street." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was that, and I came down." that I am arrested." "Entirely." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "No more words. Get out!" and the whole place is in a blaze." "A client, then?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, people in all walks of life. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then retorted upon me, and I on you." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we newspaper selections." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! married her." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same comes from the middle window." place no limit on the sum I may draw." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." strong and stiff." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without