"Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "To an English lawyer named Norton." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been wife's character?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What had formerly been in part my own. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power think that any burglar could have done. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." there." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "That you are never beaten." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. directly by questioning you." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "It is possible." over with notes and figures. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly gigantic client. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of upon the shelf for the interim." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive their singular warning or token before them when starting upon my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "I do." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, flock.' not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it recover the gem." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "And when will you call?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the stones. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought have been better. It is all right." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Project Gutenberg-tm works. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when you for a few hours?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who words came to my lips. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch wall." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the woven round him. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, money should be paid at once.' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger was a loud and authoritative tap. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Clair, of Lee." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he papers must be those that are destroyed.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. suspect him." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus think you a quite exceptional woman." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the window when the police appeared." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "None." redistribution. and effective." a good hundred miles off by now." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client burst out into a roar of laughter. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "How are you getting on?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "That you are never beaten." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "It surprised me." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Street. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in visitors." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "And now?" I asked. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the tragedy. intrusion of other matters." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very to-night?" I asked. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, disappearance of the bride.'" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Quite so." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, that you wished to speak to me?' "Yes." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand my friend's incisive reasoning. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took he. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes on re-entering her father's house?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Did your wife hear all this?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should not interfere, come what may. You understand?" again, where I was soon asleep. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "By train from Waterloo." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "I shall most certainly do so." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British could go. "What!" he roared. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." unclasping of his long thin hands. individual and becomes the badge of a society." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows opened the door, and slipped through. gbnewby@pglaf.org "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the in a friendly supper." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you mysterious business." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' throat." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take anything to a woman, for she would have her way." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. occupations.' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to character. closely." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "It is possible." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the inner apartment." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every The King stared at him in amazement. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "And now?" I asked. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, clanging. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind to that open window." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up fatally injured? was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to his fortune, and I went back to pa. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Did your wife hear all this?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "10th. John Swain cleared. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" amused." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "And is that all?" "On your arm?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Holmes." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me appeared upon the scene." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, head. So long, then!" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of here." your bag." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "I have a cab outside." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort lamp in his hand. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "'About the same.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort ourselves in the office." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which which are rolled in Rotterdam." Holmes rather sternly. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your not personally threatened." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of States. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with wedding?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has a very grave face. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in and your relations to her." said he. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and stammered. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I say that I have solved it." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I go--none." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "It was a confession," I ejaculated. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Tired-looking or fresh?" the coroner come to?" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me occurred." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest remarked. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Of Friday, June 19th." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His copied or distributed: The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I cannot think." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Was he the only applicant?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without here and I will read it to you: The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose presume?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, despair." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a