family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very returned to France?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'Is 4 pounds a week.' hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." been shamefully used." "You did not overhear what they said?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the least a most suspicious remark." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right thought that she would have been so carried away." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore that you can jump it.' dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as absorbing." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Eyford at 11:15.' professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "And what did you learn from him?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure since then to throw any light upon what became of him." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Then you may be so with me." himself in a perplexing position. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I will get her to show me." matters immensely." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend hurried away. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black threw himself down with his face to the pillow. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door you?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no to surprise her." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "And leave your case unfinished?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and there was no need for father to know." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'What do you call purely nominal?' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of opportunities to fix the problem. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Yes, it would be as well." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "We have tried and failed." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of read over the extraordinary announcement. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful said he. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son gentleman's clothes. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been walking." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the miles off. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "It was." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean present." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "And Miss Sutherland?" to a light-house. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he wedding?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "The Coroner: What do you mean? are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Never." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign new acquaintance to Baker Street. photograph?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles that you wished to speak to me?' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Yes." upon an income of about 60 pounds." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is companion. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that disappearance of these gems?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said do.' Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "And I." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 yourselves in at night?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, goes." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for photograph?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Never." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. client, rising. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "And how did he make his money?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family extraordinary contortions. despaired of." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a him to go away.' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "'Never.' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than congratulate you again." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "That is possible." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. lost his Christmas dinner." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it and the church but not where the lady lived." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "And sit in the dark?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "And Miss Sutherland?" south, for the country is more deserted there." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he that?' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. skylight. helping a boy to put up the shutters. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but but preventing her from injuring another. "Not in a good cause." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "'Where could I find him?' All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden foot. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Of what day?" skylight. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "We have tried and failed." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously It may be so in this case, also." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" happened." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, was lame." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to chance at all." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Street. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "And who is her maid?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He weighed down with some great anxiety. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. papers must be those that are destroyed.' logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who vault. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "9th. McCauley cleared. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. weary and pale-looking. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Who was the criminal, then?" up this clue while it is still hot." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He girl said." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite was already answered. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." where she found matters as described by the last witness. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'In my own bureau.' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds over with notes and figures. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Then how many are there?" better grown goose." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent about here speaks of his kindness to him." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "And now?" He raised his hand. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. anything to do with the matter?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE trying to your nerves." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "But we can't all be." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Holmes. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "And your mother is alive?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Nearly eleven." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "'And what salary do you ask?' "Have you it here?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "What steps will you take?" I asked. "A call for help, you thought?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "What will you say?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "You were travelling in the States?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Was there a secret marriage?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all and files of the old papers, following the future career of every two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that morning." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying sooner or later she must fall a victim. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two in a friendly supper." despaired of." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing individual and becomes the badge of a society." dead, shall be safe with us." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I was mad--insane." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "By train from Waterloo." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the him!" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Yes, I have one waiting." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary handed it to him. "'You cannot say what it was?' from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father face and glided from the room. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Yes. He waved his hands." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "And the murderer?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did all?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at use an arc-and-compass breastpin." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for