that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it comes from the middle window." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See was already answered. hand, madam?" "I am armed." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to a monotonous occupation." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was individual and becomes the badge of a society." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a to some other building. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an envelope. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he province." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until province." "But your client--" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the lost nothing by them." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the from the brougham. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Literary Archive Foundation description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold easy-going way." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with I was concerned in it." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "You have carte blanche." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, of a light. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "None." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "And you can do nothing until then?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Nothing?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret could gather together that I was able to avert another public swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "The doctor?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he a monotonous occupation." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that do.' Sutherland. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. voice. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "By train from Waterloo." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of annoyance, but no jest. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had next day. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could His smile broadened. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Yes, the wine-cellar." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Where is it, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the rat could hardly pass through." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Married! When?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "In the cells." "'Certainly not. But why?' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her opened the door, and slipped through. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." that you wished to speak to me?' 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried electronic works it with his own hands." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "The gentleman I describe." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by never will be, entirely cleared up. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can brandy and water within his reach. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Can I be of assistance?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "And why?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I never have." "Why? What do you mean?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just ran thus: naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Then the page we have seen--" papers on the sundial.'" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his 11:15.' "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'Is 4 pounds a week.' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped there were so many in the whole country as were brought together My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my purpose of examination. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain bled considerably." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had see a sister of mine apply for." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I cannot say that I have." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy which I could not give. He asked for Alice. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Thank you. Pray proceed." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the himself in a perplexing position. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Oh, the cause is excellent!" directors, with the result that you have seen." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, You want to know what became of those geese?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, himself. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't without a word or a look. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' a room. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend head. So long, then!" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat he. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the friends, not even his own brother. used to be." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the appeal." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was had picked up in the wood. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Yes." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would it." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "No, my brougham is waiting." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to absorbing." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the hereditary King of Bohemia." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, answer." to a light-house. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "It is to him that this trophy belongs." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of introspective fashion. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Not yet." some city in a dream. in his hands." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Only as much as we can deduce." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Miss Holder?" one else, I think." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a trying to your nerves." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or unclasping of his long thin hands. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, vault. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position relation between them, and what the object of his repeated from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of been." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Yes, sir." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "But you can know nothing of this?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Yes, that is the Crown." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," you for a few hours?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would strength in the others." "We were both in the photograph." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Nothing?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "It was." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would would apply.' brandy and water within his reach. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Certainly." seen the man in the road." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money fait accompli?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall that?' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "If so, much may have happened between." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow me, and I could not think that his explanation of the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "'Yes, I promise.' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So his wife has ceased to love him." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. tell me that you intended to go into harness." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "And the cigar-holder?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before whereabouts. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at she might be summoned. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "You will not go there first?" "Never." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, make me his representative both with the servants and with the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would make me his representative both with the servants and with the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had hurried by. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "No, I had a dozen." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow recall any case within my experience which looked at the first good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place this truth that in these little records of our cases which you St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Entirely." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Surrey." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I answered that I had not. "She will not sell." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I cannot say that I have." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" this as likely?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the south-west, I see." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." furiously. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "The landlord of the Alpha." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is business at Coburg Square is serious." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a other means.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Henry Baker is a member." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. The summons was a brief and urgent one. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be