"That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light late!' recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our forecastle of an emigrant ship. "What shall I do?" definite end. in his power. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "'As governess?' his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking bonnet, and went out." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the to Leatherhead. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. it." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding away to you." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress The events in question occurred in the early days of my "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Gutenberg-tm License. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely evidence," I remarked. in a very precise fashion." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that to affect your life." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes presented which may be striking and bizarre without being touch that coronet?' dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, stammered. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the night.' 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Is purely nominal.' all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which companion. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt long narrative. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the Red-headed League." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and inquire as to the address." it. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King as he folded up the epistle. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." results." putting in the horse. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I fear not." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me what is your own theory as to what took place?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "We were both in the photograph." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, so.' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the of campaign. "Yes." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "What have you done?" asked Holmes. there was no need for father to know." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but things are very often connected not with the larger but with the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "How did you deduce the select?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the exactly what you advise." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he discontent upon his features. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" better in every way that they should make their position a little words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Come in!" said Holmes. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "No, my brougham is waiting." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Precisely." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Ten will be early enough." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "But he might be a bachelor." roused himself from his reverie. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Eyford at 11:15.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "To an end?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to highroad, where all traces were lost. here." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even records." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down weapon." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' were unconscious?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid this unhappy family?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Of Friday, June 19th." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "And how have you succeeded?" bears upon the case?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door newspaper selections." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He least a most suspicious remark." meant it for the best. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' for and were ordered to this address. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it but preventing her from injuring another. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he to talk it over. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have McCarthy's innocence. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful you." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of annoyance, but no jest. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." appointment with me for six o'clock?" habit of advancing money.' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "It came here." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and matter over." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who beg that you will break it off." empty. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. might have a private word with us. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. companion. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'It is locked up,' I answered. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea with you?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in mysterious end." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Well, some hundreds of times." placed his cuttings. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." in a very precise fashion." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty direction." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down photograph a cabinet?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile entirely devoid of interest." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in case-book, which he consulted. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the devil!" "'You cannot say what it was?' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of here and I will read it to you: "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a meant it for the best. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Yes, sir." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that outside." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in brandy and water within his reach. lost his Christmas dinner." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling tightly behind him. as he folded up the epistle. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary them?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's situation." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and key of the affair now." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "I am armed." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "'Certainly not.' Holmes rather sternly. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "My opinion is in no way altered." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger bore every mark of being an average commonplace British very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of question. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the night.' walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and other lovers by making love himself." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Nothing." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "It missed him, then?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Witness: It was. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "An enemy?" "'Yes, sir.' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "And Irene Adler?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in is acting for the best. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch burst into a hearty fit of laughter. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. until night should bring an explanation. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "On your arm?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "And I to find an enemy." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman throat." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; it were putty." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, your only hope of safety." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and The events in question occurred in the early days of my "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly will not take me long to tell. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "But I am all in the dark." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. chance at all." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" but preventing her from injuring another. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a forecastle of an emigrant ship. corner of the building. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Holmes' face clouded over. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Very well, sir. And this stone?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the driver. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but attention." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as of this gang." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "You have but to name it." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "On your arm?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Then, how do you know?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San interest. They are important, you understand, without being of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I some water from a caraffe. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking enter Dr. Roylott's room." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe enter into my head. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Where did you address your letters, then?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had locked." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers address. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the