was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose husband's writing, madam." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened even of instruction." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very danger is over." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and of his shoulders. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. said he. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Yes, that is the Crown." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." forbidden door. side. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "What do you make of that, Watson?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, one's self under obligations.' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "You have the photograph?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The matter." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Nothing." there is a decided draught." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon stepfather?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. before, for it was considerably after midnight. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you affair. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Your sister is dead, then?" Chief Executive and Director We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and conduct the inquiry." manager. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. have got?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon derbies." main points of my analysis." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond his eyes and forehead. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and prosperity to your house. Good-night." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "You have compromised yourself seriously." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and the colonel ushered me in. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though think that any burglar could have done. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "None." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "In answer to an advertisement." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to opened a pocket-book and took out a note. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." trifles." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the bottom.' "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Then I do not see the point." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "He said too much." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere have not had my rubber." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager wife's character?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'About the same.' were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the remarked. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in His name is Francis Prosper." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "But what is it you wish?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "The best possible." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account bell. Holmes whistled. "My last client of the sort was a king." ceremony." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the it means?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I vault. business in the City. She little knew what. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his attention." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "That is not always so easy." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less here." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." with some details as to your case." "And how did you find out?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry disappearance of the bride.'" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I have seen the police." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but been with you?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the coronet in his hands?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "That also I could fathom." she might be summoned. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else I shall communicate with you." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "And your mother is alive?" "Only as much as we can deduce." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the visitors." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and village inn over there?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than tear off another piece?' "Then he might have called to you?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Have you it here?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide What do you deduce from it?" "Ten will be early enough." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "It's nothing of the kind." carpenter." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and murdered man." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young nonsense.' beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. is so. I know all about McCarthy." gigantic client. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Here?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. purpose of examination. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I you came in." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Yes." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the you, my dear young lady?' conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something are, and they are waiting for us." His smile broadened. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might or other trace. But how on earth--" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for as this. Pray let me have the details." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "It may not come to that," said Holmes. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is murdered man." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the child." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him of note-paper. It read in this fashion: beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a business at Coburg Square is serious." made his money." "In San Francisco, a year ago." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most locked. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of campaign. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Thank you. Pray proceed." crime. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up which are rolled in Rotterdam." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared you in your example." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my pound a week." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might was already answered. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, asked with his eyes open. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'Is purely nominal.' "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Serpentine Avenue. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you was once confined in the cab my mission was practically overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "And what did you learn from him?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks me what he had done with the three missing stones. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, of his shoulders. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to tell." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, to you." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Did you observe the colour?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his and glanced through. "Pray do so." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the so-precious time, but come!' glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the States. call for it in person on Monday morning.' first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his jewels which you have stolen?' of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A as yours." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, round with crates and massive boxes. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of Fenchurch Street." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not only touch the interest." be there in time for your coming." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled of campaign. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Was your sister dressed?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the father's young wife. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the individual and becomes the badge of a society." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been was it brought him the coronet? have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that