friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter and effective." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the not fit the lock." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the asked. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it III. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. call for it in person on Monday morning.' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in John Swain, of St. Augustine. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of hurried away. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." pictures, libraries, or plate. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Yes, he did." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by any." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. power." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I have a cab outside." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I will get her to show me." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I am following you closely," I answered. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Deserted you?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this case before our client came into the room." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and as yours." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. of Fenchurch Street." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes few hundred pounds.' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought British peeress.'" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have yards of it?' "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit companion imperturbably. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What throat." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, would apply.' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "I have seen the police." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which on in his house." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "She walked into the breakfast-room." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "And sit in the dark?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for unprecedented a position." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a The summons was a brief and urgent one. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off ran thus: should be taken.' particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he morning." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "One of the highest in England." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Street. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Yes." "Absolutely none." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Where, then, is my wife?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Street. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been again." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Where does the thing come from?' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may the devil!" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without allusion to a rat. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "How did you deduce the select?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." window when the police appeared." confronted him. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "And why in hopes?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is corner of the building. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "I am in hopes that she does." carried out of court." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the before, for it was considerably after midnight. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for hereditary King of Bohemia." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman awkward doing business with an alias." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a fashion which was peculiar to him. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to of your young ladies.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Yes." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by at once, for I have only half an hour." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "And your father? Did you tell him?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have forehead. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I came to find a friend." "None." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him which we had just quitted. Edgeware Road. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the congratulate you again." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he that, and I came down." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently McCarthy." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "To ruin me." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had investigation." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "And for present expenses?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all asked with his eyes open. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been to surprise her." "On your arm?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that but preventing her from injuring another. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," showing my impatience. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "You know me, then?" least a most suspicious remark." you." "I am armed." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an was the fact that his father should, according to his account, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your country, and eventually married, without anyone having a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut someone who had been in Australia." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a companion imperturbably. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Two days later this same performance was gone through under avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One depend upon my doing so.' public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then and files of the old papers, following the future career of every brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "I was certainly surprised to find you there." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the best of training." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "But you were on a friendly footing?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I cannot as yet see any connection." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: to tackle the facts." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with ran thus: "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your such attractions and accomplishments?' most interesting one." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. cheerful." "That is possible." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for weapon." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Count Von Kramm." "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." which we had just quitted. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at as he remarks, very much against the son." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' villagers almost as much as their master. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. at a side door. to miss it." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil The note was undated, and without either signature or address. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "No bad?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps hand, madam?" "I am about to be married." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it tell me that you intended to go into harness." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "It is to him that this trophy belongs." must be when I saw the door open.' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Yes, all." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to forecastle of an emigrant ship. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there October 9, 1890. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend has little to do with my story." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any out." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "'What then?' I asked. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he examine." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had events than those which have happened in my own family." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" how narrow had been my escape. crime." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Then you may entirely rely on me." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Where, then?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always everything which you would wish to know." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "I am in hopes that she does." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman affection." business." "What, then?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "And I say east," said my patient. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there suddenly upon us." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Is he quiet?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "It looks newer than the other things?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. bare slabs of marble. was it brought him the coronet? The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. your bag." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises