"I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "But what will you do?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, own family. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Have you her photograph?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I in the hope of finding them." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms started for the Temple to see my husband. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are you in your example." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great happened." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Was there a secret marriage?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard my little problems." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by closely." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you garden below. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately to surprise her." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "What shall I do?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Precisely." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for business?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. at my remark. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the child." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which during the last few years, and there are many noble families to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of business." My friend smiled. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'I am sure if I had known--' stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, strength." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the that he will be back before evening." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "This concluded the examination of the witness." him!" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent him. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and returning from some small jollification and was making his way thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "You have compromised yourself seriously." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he said I. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." waste of energy." tell me that you intended to go into harness." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of instincts rose up against that laugh. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "The landlord of the Alpha." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in excitement. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I should be immensely obliged to you." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the of receipt of the work. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have round with crates and massive boxes. less than 26s. 4d. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always yet." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." skylight. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "What will you say?" "What then?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own breakfast." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "But his lameness?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "'Why that?' I asks. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "And why in hopes?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the side-table." congratulate you again." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close him nearly every evening." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall meanly of me." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. indeed which he could not unravel. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Why, it's a dummy," said he. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, few hundred pounds.' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of official police." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "It is true that I have been generally successful." in him." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, one of the states of the Union." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" attention." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small if only as a check to my own memory." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "And I." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting trifles." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you exactly what you advise." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Certainly, madam." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He that threaten you." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, meanly of me." goes." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our something of him before." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "It is possible." "Precisely." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "A client, then?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are copied or distributed: papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Certainly." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" something of him before." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "An accident, I presume?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Have you good authority for what you say?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "I think it very unlikely." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I think that I had better go, Holmes." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the crime." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the you came in." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I to tell." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Pope's Court, Fleet Street." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very searched, without anything being found which could incriminate much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." might help us?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Sutherland?" "My dear Holmes!" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to vault. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself people don't know." which we had just quitted. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "My own seal." returned to France?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless extraordinary contortions. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "By train from Waterloo." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY placed his cuttings. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a 11:15.' a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "No, my brougham is waiting." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended DAMAGE. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Did your wife hear all this?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "No, I think that I'll take it." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "But how did you gain them?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, photograph?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "What have you done?" asked Holmes. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "'Never.' narrative." quick march!" "Who was the criminal, then?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Seven!" I answered. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" pierced for earrings?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "One of the highest in England." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of some water from a caraffe. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have bonnet, and went out." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "It is solved." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a hand, madam?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Have you her photograph?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the King without delay." to have been novel and of interest." "No, I am descending." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Entirely.' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had into the bag, and made for the door. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Yes." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "'Very good.' have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in your billet.' of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had outside." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. leaning back in his chair. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked I held the little printed slip to the light. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Literary Archive Foundation "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Holmes' room. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend again before evening." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Yes." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'It is locked up,' I answered. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. four million human beings all jostling each other within the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this families. Now for the facts. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is