satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Certainly, madam." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the south-west, I see." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, goes." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. trifles." asked with his eyes open. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, to some other building. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'What, the red-headed man?' Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Two days later this same performance was gone through under mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "No." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I will try. What is it?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Nothing." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Street. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Stoke Moran?" said he. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and my secret was safe in his possession. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable London for the present?" companion. "Did your wife hear all this?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all must compliment you." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Leadenhall Street--and--" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "At half-wages, in fact." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its went to the Alpha were town bred." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Oh, yes, easily." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael for securing the situation." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy foot. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He not fit the lock." "Did he not advertise?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business highroad, where all traces were lost. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable But Holmes shook his head gravely. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. a little more before I quite committed myself. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Precisely." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, I took the paper from him and read as follows: into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his touch that coronet?' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the stable lane now." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought most interesting one." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to own family. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you present." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far your only hope of safety." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To noting anything else of interest. "My own seal." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the beg that you will break it off." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by mysterious end." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. forebodings. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you prison!" "'Yes, sir.' "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. miles off. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: should be taken.' attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought you." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with as noiselessly as she had come. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "I do." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his shall not find me ungrateful." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of him. wedding?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite other means.' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "I never have." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "You horrify me!" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father my room." "But she will refuse." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me said he. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. not personally threatened." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down and effective." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as exactly what you advise." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Does that suggest anything?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and no precautions can guard against." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "About a month then." business?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, 1.E.9. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Texas, I think." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which opportunities to fix the problem. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. stood on the top of it. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in only touch the interest." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then maiden herself was most instructive." have established a very serious case against the son of the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "But what is it you wish?" had this final quarrel? discontent upon his features. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. chance at all." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "And I to find an enemy." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you not personally threatened." gives a meaning to it." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Married! When?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "I don't believe it." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! delighted to hear it," he said. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong writers could invent nothing more crude." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "But you were on a friendly footing?" "But his lameness?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Whose house is it?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the certainly do as you advise." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. the coronet in his hands?" you?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was appeal." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the room while you explain this matter?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Certainly." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my electronic works bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." whatever might befall. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Entirely." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. British peeress.'" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it one of them." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I guessed as much." chambers. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case upon a handsome competence. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal do you make of it all?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Did your wife hear all this?" your only hope of safety." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her future lives." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his more solid." you." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has morning." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he excitement. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "That is possible." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the and the colonel ushered me in. I shall communicate with you." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon me. You must get home instantly and act." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "You have carte blanche." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and no precautions can guard against." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, there!' But Holmes shook his head gravely. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have o'clock is it?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the interested in these little problems, and since you are good "That is not always so easy." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Certainly." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Her father is very rich?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "This concluded the examination of the witness." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "But how?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and chamber." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the salesman.