"Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon in my life." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Stolen, then." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." so far?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried leaning back in his chair. it means?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Yes." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the least a most suspicious remark." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very appeared upon the scene." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a sofa. This way, please!" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then up this clue while it is still hot." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that against a man in the prime of life?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew followed. "I am to be neutral?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you man. "It certainly sounds feasible." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most wall." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for three fields round his house, and there he would take his rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me bill, which interests me deeply." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that of note-paper. It read in this fashion: about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "What have you done?" asked Holmes. again on its way. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked becomes even more simple." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Dirty?" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little was a loud and authoritative tap. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the very letters. But what is this written above them?' demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "By all means." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding union?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see in the port of London." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us she might be summoned. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if from you?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the best of training." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. had this final quarrel? "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he your Highness to the police-station?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most became a certainty. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of key of the affair now." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he residence of the great financier. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a hand, madam?" "'Yes, I promise.' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the loss of it. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "No, my brougham is waiting." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "But you were on a friendly footing?" cigars in the box." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent strode off upon his way. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for plantation.' "Very murderous indeed." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. third from London." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No him to be an active member of the medical profession." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door a very grave face. "Was there a secret marriage?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your tightly behind him. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You horrify me." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Is he quiet?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very have accepted such a situation. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "VIOLET HUNTER." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years to-morrow." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Heh?' overpowering excitement and concern. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. formed some opinion?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom get the tickets." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Ample." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far results." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for ourselves in the office." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Eh? What was that?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at jewels which you have stolen?' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her arrangements." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "It is to him that this trophy belongs." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an down from London to inquire more deeply into it." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Then, as to money?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and late." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out she has been waylaid. There has been no result." people in all walks of life. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Yes." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and new duties?' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he several quiet little villages up there." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my lectures into a series of tales." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, soul! here is her carriage at the door." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of appeared upon the scene." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "On your arm?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done evidence," I remarked. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the one as in the other." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted to a light-house. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged you found me to-night--and running through the front room she it." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Literary Archive Foundation "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will answer." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "How about poison?" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE be there in time for your coming." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in forbidden door. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. ordinary clothes on?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Precisely." not within a twentieth part of the market price." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp it." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. sneer upon his pale face. hopeless attempt at recovering them." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on round and wave him away like that.' "So I am. Very much so." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "'And the work?' "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold so.' the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what a room. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'How far from the body?' dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" place of silver." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Thank you. Pray proceed." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "What! You do not mean bodies?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to chamber." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with official police." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "What steps will you take?" I asked. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt few hundred pounds.' locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the Friday. Was it to be in church?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, direction." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "The vanishing of the lady." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe I leave." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Where does the thing come from?' clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to is," said he presently: heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than your equipment. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking as the one I chose?' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better had formerly been in part my own. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with could not account in any way for the presence of the missing should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "None. Neville wrote those words." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Quite so. She has her freedom." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by there were one or two details which were new to me. But the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Won't it ring?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were