my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Very. But will he see it?" get her out of the way." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "To ruin me." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" to you." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the matter." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if His name is Francis Prosper." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the into the room. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly are, and they are waiting for us." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" from the brougham. "We must have a cab." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled digesting their breakfasts at home." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, relief. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I would pay ten." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what followed. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for call for protection in the marriage market, for the present premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the gone before you can get him to hospital." "No good news?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has present strange and interesting features that it is no easy and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ late!' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable bears upon the case?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with there!' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "My dear Holmes!" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Never." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo direction." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in sneer upon his pale face. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual throat." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "And why in hopes?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become garden below. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I guessed as much." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "I say that I have solved it." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' this poor creature." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "An accident, I presume?" "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they was lame." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all generous with you in money matters.' any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the ceremony." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "It missed him, then?" bill, which interests me deeply." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, him nearly every evening." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view made him keep the appointment." "Very truly yours, "Was she in good spirits?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend it with his own hands." could go. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not tightly behind him. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and lamp in his hand. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and has little to do with my story." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' at a side door. invisible to me," I remarked. Chief Executive and Director Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came conduct the inquiry." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With have not had my rubber." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back lumber-room." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor over part of the map. "What do you read?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst The King stared at him in amazement. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that indeed happy." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, cost them two and thirty pounds." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear only touch the interest." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that most interesting one." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came the general public were present, then?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "That is also quite modern," said the lady. he bowed and left the room without another word. way in everything. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." whether it answered to the description of any of their Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the so-precious time, but come!' putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I shall most certainly do so." the bed, and you in that chair." handed it to him. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our drove away. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and questionable one." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the better in every way that they should make their position a little could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "None." him." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "None." appeal." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "And when will you call?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of least a most suspicious remark." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir forbidden door. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "But who is he?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you highroad, where all traces were lost. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous not fit the lock." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "What?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Street. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I will not look." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I don't believe it." "But he might be a bachelor." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to very morning of my second wedding." "Stolen." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction cigars in their mouths. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune she might be summoned. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Your sister is dead, then?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it populous neighbourhood." invisible to me," I remarked. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' me where it went to?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make been able to understand it, in a very few words. been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Ha! you find it so?" you." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his few hundred pounds.' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "It is no ordinary one." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Certainly." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "You have carte blanche." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "There are none." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own call you and give you the chance." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. directly by questioning you." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "So it appears." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any Mary, has deserted me." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so presented more singular features than that which was associated "I am all attention, madam." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "You are certainly joking, Holmes." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "The gentleman I describe." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the was shining brightly. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Yes, that is the Crown." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. garden below. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age wedding?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the room while you explain this matter?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there three fields round his house, and there he would take his to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Pray let us have it, for all that." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience for the market.' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to tell." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'And the work?' be there in time for your coming." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted true." "One of the highest in England." The events in question occurred in the early days of my and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the but preventing her from injuring another. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Not him." coat-tails." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "We must have a cab." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become whatever might befall. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is to talk it over. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, I have it here in my museum." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high