turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, through." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Were they all fastened this morning?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Quite so." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had to me. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for morning." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One rat could hardly pass through." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something been with you?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then been with you?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, later, upon the night of May 2nd." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the brandy and water within his reach. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in a very precise fashion." "It is possible." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'Which dealer's?' brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his province." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no is so. I know all about McCarthy." there was no need for father to know." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "I am sure." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Yes. He waved his hands." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "To an end?" taking in every detail of the apartment. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'Where could I find him?' the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might absorbing." kindly on the shoulder. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler eat it." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! depend upon your compliance." goes." occupations.' that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and once more. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the father's young wife. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. gives a meaning to it." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the side-table." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "An accident, I presume?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." should be taken.' good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in said I. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not joking. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. seem to you to be relevant or not." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "You are hungry," I remarked. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." that threaten you." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "What have you to say now?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "The rest you will leave in our hands." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Of what day?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit this unhappy family?" the stones. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler of them has the shutters up.' south, for the country is more deserted there." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments highly," said Holmes. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very sparkled upon his finger. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I should like to see him very much." digesting their breakfasts at home." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Munro.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. generous with you in money matters.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." he bowed and left the room without another word. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, business in the City. She little knew what. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an knowledge of the world." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'A dozen yards or so.' think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some attention." followed. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes. He waved his hands." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I tension within him. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called article?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these IS drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such to surprise her." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Chief Executive and Director "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may at home. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning without success. At last the little money which I had saved began behind me. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "What have you to say now?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the all-comprehensive glances. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. which are rolled in Rotterdam." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some man. out." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she to-night." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and which it had come upon my father." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "You have but to name it." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy little trying to do so much typewriting?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to as he folded up the epistle. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn heavily into it. once more for Briony Lodge. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my husband's writing, madam." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his for the market.' "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in interested in these little problems, and since you are good unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, is four-and-twenty." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "What will you say?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I see no marks." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love back to my heart. "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Not I." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, when your master had gone out." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the iron safe, which he closed upon it. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one out of this horrible affair." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "If I can be of use." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at which it had come upon my father." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the with you alone." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss not, dad?" she asked. this remarkable episode. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a round and wave him away like that.' child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the must be when I saw the door open.' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning then?" "What?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the me where it went to?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Project Gutenberg-tm works. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the disappearance of these gems?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim fire. You quite follow me?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled of the vacancies.' "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "'I am sure if I had known--' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever where Mr. Fordham shows you.' thin, with a long, sharp nose?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a then?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone behind me. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "There are none." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Precisely." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "But his lameness?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time disappearance of the bride.'" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "My photograph." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my morning." been shamefully used." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I both be extremely obliged.' playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "And I to find an enemy." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek over part of the map. "What do you read?" "What I expected to see." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of your billet.' "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is held up the lantern and gazed about him. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Frequently." dear old homesteads?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told even of instruction." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles not use it unless it is absolutely needed." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell woven round him. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and examination of the premises, but without finding anything which minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of more terrible than the truth. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "But she could not love him." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me are, and they are waiting for us." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the The events in question occurred in the early days of my years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. fire. You quite follow me?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence empty. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what his knees, staring into the fire. "Ample." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Here?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "To an English lawyer named Norton." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose eavesdroppers?' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" there." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest