hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the that hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no My friend smiled. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by with you alone." October 9, 1890. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." off." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "By no means." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional triumphant cloud from his cigarette. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "None. Neville wrote those words." "Murdered?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough village inn over there?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Well." "I will not look." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of gentleman's clothes. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "My Mary? Impossible!" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. bare slabs of marble. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I cannot say that I have." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the learned something! Where are the gems?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I promise," said Holmes. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "I cannot imagine." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a yet." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to my friend's incisive reasoning. bachelor.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "The Coroner: What do you mean? a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "I will, Miss Turner." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a security.' facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Holmes' face clouded over. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the there in twenty minutes." tell me that you intended to go into harness." room?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "And how did you find out?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "What will you say?" copied or distributed: values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "It missed him, then?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square shall use the carriage to-night." "Witness: Nothing definite. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet danger is over." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend particular state visit http://pglaf.org explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when must compliment you." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I I am not easy in my mind about them." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in whether it answered to the description of any of their house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London father's place of business?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "How on earth--" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, is," said he presently: there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "She told me to ask you." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "No, but the enclosure is." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to not as remarkable as your advertisement." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Well, it is a possible supposition." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." clanging. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "My last client of the sort was a king." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he indeed which he could not unravel. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a narrative." "About a month then." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "I have my revolver," said I. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the matter?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' system of imprisonment?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case that you can jump it.' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than is," said he presently: photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I would give my fortune to have them back." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the events, Mr. Windibank!" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Yes?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were exactly what you advise." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of is now desirous of getting those letters back." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Awake, Watson?" he asked. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it allusion to a rat. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers his fortune, and I went back to pa. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would be sorry for having acted so harshly." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." lost his Christmas dinner." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind views." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project not, dad?" she asked. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' morning." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' suddenly upon us." Serpentine Avenue. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular front of the hall door has given its name to the place. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who me." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum lost nothing by them." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "About a month then." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." not fit the lock." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange a good hundred miles off by now." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I fear not." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, used to be." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "None." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but pound a week." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised think, you have already met." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had without a word or a look. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes hardly wander." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very careless servant girl?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand in the port of London." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush ways including including checks, online payments and credit card to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, do." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Whose house is it?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall nice household for a young lady." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and the colonel ushered me in. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I say that I have solved it." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little not, dad?" she asked. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and less than 26s. 4d. "It missed him, then?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "And how have you succeeded?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "May I see it?" wanted for ourselves." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Was there a secret marriage?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the memory. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, easy-going way." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the all-comprehensive glances. tension within him. as noiselessly as she had come. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "That also I could fathom." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "And from a noble client?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking politicians who had been sent down from the North. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave behind me. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she as this. Pray let me have the details." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and I approached. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it call it cruel." "And how did you find out?" matters immensely." "But she could not love him." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I will not look." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "What will you do, then?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small,