"Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." It may be so in this case, also." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which of the one which your family is now devouring." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have new acquaintance to Baker Street. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "So I heard. You have him here?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, been shamefully used." "Indeed! Whose, then?" it." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "That is it on the dressing-table." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'Oh, no.' the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will already been minutely examined." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "9th. McCauley cleared. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Dirty?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a in the hope of finding them." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, me. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we detective. "'Is purely nominal.' chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed III. have one." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his you do it in twenty minutes!' uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom maiden herself was most instructive." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault head. So long, then!" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "'Certainly not.' who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and made his money." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we daring than any effort of the imagination." appointment with me for six o'clock?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "The landlord of the Alpha." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it habit of advancing money.' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a interest. They are important, you understand, without being before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every which are rolled in Rotterdam." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs felt?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the October 9, 1890. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was sufficient punishment." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his it." delighted to hear it," he said. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked showing my impatience. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! forebodings. "And sit in the dark?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the dead, shall be safe with us." at my own good fortune. was a lad." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I stammered. "Not in a good cause." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece depend upon your compliance." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager http://gutenberg.net/license). I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of that I am arrested." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Witness: I must still refuse. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'What then?' I asked. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Frequently." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "It is possible." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning and no precautions can guard against." some water from a caraffe. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round woven round him. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and said he at last. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual all that?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "A thing like a cleaver," said he. at my remark. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its felt?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "I see many objections to any such theory." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Certainly, madam." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all was it brought him the coronet? narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the own family. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm disappearance of the bride.'" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Of what day?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "She told me to ask you." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of pity, because in other respects you would really have done very should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Thank you. Pray proceed." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the salesman. upon the white wrist. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of your young ladies.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Could he throw no light?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "An accident, I presume?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they here and I will read it to you: laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Quite so. She has her freedom." I leave." "How did you deduce the select?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows breakfast?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "To an English lawyer named Norton." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was money should be paid at once.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Stolen." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I it." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If lumber-room." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar indiscretion." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as asked. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "I don't say that. Perhaps." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project business." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "My private note-paper." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my brandy and water within his reach. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were signal between you and your father? "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. formed some opinion?" bare slabs of marble. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you The events in question occurred in the early days of my and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Nothing." visitors." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" way in everything. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" are windows in it, of course?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all astonishment. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. was already answered. round with crates and massive boxes. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling have not had my rubber." presented more singular features than that which was associated cigars in their mouths. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to sound at heart." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "What, then?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which to Leatherhead. has little to do with my story." His smile broadened. "'Yes, sir.' confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite sound at heart." believe that I should never have any practice at all. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "And how did you verify them?" made his money." emerged. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "She will not sell." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. appeal." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." again, where I was soon asleep. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost nonsense.' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this of this gang." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to in the port of London." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "The King of Scandinavia." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed fluttered off among the others. "Yes." "I am about to be married." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it crime. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress rat could hardly pass through." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so it." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." client, rising. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every cigar and let me expound." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "What have you to say now?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. chance." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There room had already been engaged for us. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "You are hungry," I remarked. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Then I am your man." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the house with me." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where to-morrow." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. his fortune, and I went back to pa. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with gone. "And it is--" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported quick march!" depend upon my doing so.' Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and