the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us pity, because in other respects you would really have done very even of instruction." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of pictures, libraries, or plate. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the writers could invent nothing more crude." was a loud and authoritative tap. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "I see no marks." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too should be so warm over such a trifle." indeed happy." of the one which your family is now devouring." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the coronet in his hands?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. married her." the loss of it. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "No bad?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you cigar and let me expound." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in remarked. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Precisely." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had indiscretion." "Why serious?" is," said he presently: property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of mystery!" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I know where it is." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity main points of my analysis." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Whose house is it?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Very truly yours, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful plantation.' his knees, staring into the fire. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel make me his representative both with the servants and with the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "No. What a strange idea!" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months amused." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At written, and locked the door of the office after me. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and sofa. This way, please!" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. The King stared at him in amazement. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during time." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Then what has happened to him?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Pray let us have it, for all that." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out felt?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Have you her photograph?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then attention." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project danger is over." "Will you bet, then?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room all that?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "We were both in the photograph." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "The knees of his trousers." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Certainly, madam." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. fashion which was peculiar to him. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Just look it up, then." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, situation." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "I am about to be married." "That also I could fathom." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous not as remarkable as your advertisement." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. furiously. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'A dozen yards or so.' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything be sorry for having acted so harshly." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by is four-and-twenty." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. long narrative. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a take the flies, but not before." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the followed. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" get her out of the way." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he see me here to avoid scandal." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be directors, with the result that you have seen." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite burst into a hearty fit of laughter. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for him." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "It is possible." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Lee, in the county of Kent." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower said I. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "No, but the enclosure is." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the cigars in their mouths. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of said he at last. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." your only hope of safety." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'Not at all. I only doubt--' papers must be those that are destroyed.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Street. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "What can it mean?" I gasped. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Where to?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, nice household for a young lady." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "I answered that I had not. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "And Miss Sutherland?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, gone. "I came to find a friend." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Did your wife hear all this?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a from the brougham. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the conclusions. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my lamp. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Ample." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." nothing of it?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no served to weaken the effect. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer over here." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him present strange and interesting features that it is no easy to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "No sign of it?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the bed, and you in that chair." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "No good news?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must gives a meaning to it." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the becomes even more simple." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into until night should bring an explanation. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the to Leatherhead. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon leave you to your papers for a little." http://gutenberg.net/license). bird I ate is country bred." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the empty. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon his grey eyes. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were at my remark. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after over here." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those in this note: he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "At the wedding breakfast." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small details." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your appeared upon the scene." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." about here speaks of his kindness to him." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to wedding?" his cane at the bell-pull. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "This photograph!" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" a room. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes tell me that you intended to go into harness." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered such attractions and accomplishments?' "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself unprecedented a position." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He think you a quite exceptional woman." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just nonsense.' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money McCarthy's innocence. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "But what is it you wish?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the coronet in his hand?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight this poor creature." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left I have it here in my museum." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I or other trace. But how on earth--" points to suicide?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. horse could go." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves of his shoulders. "'Ample.' possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, was keenly on my guard against him. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "By no means." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Project Gutenberg-tm works. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the inner apartment." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced she to prove their authenticity?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "We have tried and failed." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "There is the writing." desk. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room