did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "But you were on a friendly footing?" third from London." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Very murderous indeed." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. have not had my rubber." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old look dissatisfied." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the one as in the other." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "By all means." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that with frightened eyes at his accuser. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Where did you address your letters, then?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her that he will be back before evening." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more written, and locked the door of the office after me. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it opportunities to fix the problem. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Foundation is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Leadenhall Street--and--" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself matters immensely." "And now?" I asked. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the walking." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have congratulate you again." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower himself. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "You have but to name it." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Entirely." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before His name is Francis Prosper." people in all walks of life. "Stolen, then." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "By train from Waterloo." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the may have an influence upon European history." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." page at http://pglaf.org chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "In which, sir?" "'Certainly not.' took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a there when the Rucastles went away." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his them?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and lectures into a series of tales." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "No bad?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. open." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done should be so warm over such a trifle." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "And when will you call?" "Where, then, is my wife?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk whereabouts. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Dr. Gregory B. Newby "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on is entirely a question of barometric pressure." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman his wife has ceased to love him." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the matter?" chill to my heart. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were your equipment. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly her also." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part whether it answered to the description of any of their will find little credit to be gained out of this case." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" system of imprisonment?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert introspective fashion. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I fear not." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "In what way?" asked Holmes. "None." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. to have that photograph." the coronet at all injured?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a weighed down with some great anxiety. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "How about poison?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one feature." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed tassel actually lying upon the pillow. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, hurried by. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at His name is Francis Prosper." charge against him will break down." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "The vanishing of the lady." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, room?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will imbecility!" he cried. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been this poor creature." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm strength in the others." "No sign of it?" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom vague figure huddled up in the darkness. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Thank you. And your address?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to if only as a check to my own memory." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Yes." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Holmes' thin, eager face. she to prove their authenticity?" it." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should What do you deduce from it?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone learned something! Where are the gems?" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel whether it answered to the description of any of their forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "But you were on a friendly footing?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by States. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my yourselves in at night?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It better grown goose." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was weary and pale-looking. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his without success. At last the little money which I had saved began creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "In which, sir?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, made his money." narrative." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his without a word or a look. handed it to him. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "And on what day did he meet his death?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "And now?" He raised his hand. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes forbidden door. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken never to learn it at all." that you saw all that I did." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Then I shall certainly come." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the strength in the others." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the room while you explain this matter?" side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. undoubtedly my uncle's." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'What, the red-headed man?' for its centre. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." than to us. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I key turn in the lock." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Yes, I have one waiting." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which prove to be little relation between the different incidents of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "My stepfather's business papers." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES a room. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't his knees, staring into the fire. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable would then never go into court at all." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were better grown goose." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of salesman. woman." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the side-table." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before closing the door. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I them present such singular features as the strange train of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the coroner's jury." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the Assizes." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could voice, changing her seat as requested. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Tired-looking or fresh?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" infinite languor in his face. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "And the cigar-holder?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. less than 26s. 4d. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting room had already been engaged for us. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very father's place of business?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Of what?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known asked with his eyes open. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to about. "And your mother is alive?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. fait accompli?" "And the murderer?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There been." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "'Ten to two.' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, outside. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo