ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "To ruin me." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out to you." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than habit of advancing money.' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I with some details as to your case." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Yes, he did." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was not fit the lock." his forehead." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock keep the flames under. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. out of this horrible affair." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "The Coroner: What do you mean? and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." business?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my to Leatherhead. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Proceed, then." "Did you become engaged then?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear question," said Holmes, smiling. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Of what day?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any became a certainty. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk lamp in his hand. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk security.' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "What will you say?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Heh?' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the south-west, I see." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'Quite sure, dad.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to security.' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Which are?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a later, upon the night of May 2nd." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that of a light. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now is a common subject for conversation. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method during that time.' of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good questioning and rather startled gaze. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never The King stared at him in amazement. "And what then?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the loss of it. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Nothing?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying way: "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know light and attacked it." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all one of them." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Then, how do you know?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Sholtos." waste of energy." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "So it appears." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, as he folded up the epistle. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. compunction about shooting them down." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear was not a bird to be seen there. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "There is the writing." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened arrested. You then--" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. gone. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'What would be the hours?' I asked. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of posted to-day." coat-tails." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a peculiar to him. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "And you don't know his address?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love nonsense.' floor. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "And why in hopes?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I fear not." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of tear off another piece?' of it with the greatest attention. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the outside. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make bare slabs of marble. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "To an end?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned down in his armchair and closing his eyes. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be to tackle the facts." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Ah!" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "But how will you look?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "I should like to see him very much." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Gutenberg-tm License. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "You have a clue?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. fear." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand main points of my analysis." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, breakfast." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "And the cigar-holder?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "On your arm?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I vault. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'Yes, it was gone.' "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Yes." "9th. McCauley cleared. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something mysterious end." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Surrey." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly when your master had gone out." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain not as remarkable as your advertisement." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I to tackle the facts." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "What of the rat, then?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "No, distinctly professional." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'I have already given you my word.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Thank you. Pray proceed." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. and I shall be with you presently." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" papers." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for affair. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Yes." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'Entirely.' very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." night.' said he. minor matters until to-morrow." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal gone before you can get him to hospital." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "On Monday." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We John Swain, of St. Augustine. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of hair?' such attractions and accomplishments?' "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there your sleep?' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You will not go there first?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "'Where to?' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his congratulate you again." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, to have been novel and of interest." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you of receipt of the work. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "When did she vanish, then?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "How did you deduce the select?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune highly," said Holmes. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found see me here to avoid scandal." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so approach us with offers to donate. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of true." "No, I think that I'll take it." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Edgeware Road. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought one of the states of the Union." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At companion. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her detective. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two pound a week." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of mysterious end." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' them, and came down just as you departed. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than there in twenty minutes." "And Miss Sutherland?" weighed down with some great anxiety. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the roots. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I occurred." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things our word." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "He is still with you, I presume?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up fattened it expressly for you.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the works. See paragraph 1.E below. like that before?" entirely devoid of interest." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your he died? enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, 1.F. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the bed, and you in that chair." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "No." train.' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "What are they?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own it means?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah