card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. think, you have already met." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all that I can to serve you." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Yes." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Oh, fresh and glossy." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them be best to do. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." been able to understand it, in a very few words. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" yourselves in at night?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Holmes." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "No, I am descending." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk dates and names. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Yes." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "My dear Holmes!" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and one's self under obligations.' him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Then I am your man." "No." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which are, and they are waiting for us." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "'I have already given you my word.' his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. hands. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing in your London, you will know that the office of the company is wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I warn you that they are very incomplete." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. way in." the ceiling. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came works. See paragraph 1.E below. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "The knees of his trousers." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I came to find a friend." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a do.' days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I go--none." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, results." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of not use it unless it is absolutely needed." of the vacancies.' had formerly been in part my own. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so legal crime." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "And when will you call?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and as noiselessly as she had come. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the cup of tea. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the nursery. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching she to prove their authenticity?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "The Coroner: What do you mean? "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could said he. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining his eyes and forehead. was already answered. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Yes?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the fait accompli?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by memory. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "It is possible." within hail.' "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "At what time?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you unprecedented a position." "And what then?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from examine." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his cigars in their mouths. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's distance from the station, and there we found the young lady of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and clang of the bell. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I narrative." me have 200 pounds?' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a happened." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "I cannot say that I have." "Then how many are there?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Not yet." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "How on earth--" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it charged with?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "That sounds a little paradoxical." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, case-book, which he consulted. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from October 9, 1890. "That sounds a little paradoxical." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly touch that coronet?' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' directors, with the result that you have seen." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in existence." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be your bag." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And wife's character?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear late!' "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a ran thus: kind enough to tell me what I should do." again." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would developed." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Eyford." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The coat-tails." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed green of the new foliage. has little to do with my story." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at direction." to-night's adventure." asked. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" you." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, tell them apart.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of I shall continue with my miserable story. redistribution. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "How long did she speak to this Alice?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "It certainly sounds feasible." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a in your London, you will know that the office of the company is finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or be there in time for your coming." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included writers could invent nothing more crude." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless like gravel from a pit.' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Pray let us have it, for all that." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Lee, in the county of Kent." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I shall not find me ungrateful." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of attention." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Why serious?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about papers." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as there is a decided draught." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. opened the door, and slipped through. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" his forehead." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever forebodings. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. noble correspondent could be. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'Which dealer's?' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and there when the Rucastles went away." works. daring than any effort of the imagination." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a when you have done it." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was astonishment. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the to a more successful conclusion." I approached. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out money should be paid at once.' imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "'Ten to two.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a here and I will read it to you: "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an that you wished to speak to me?' standing smiling on the door-step. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Yes, all." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring geese which you supplied to the Alpha." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." again on its way. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." IS the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Count Von Kramm." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "And sit in the dark?" "My stepfather's business papers." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to soul! here is her carriage at the door." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen train.' Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'Yes, I promise.' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, fishes. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are wanted for ourselves." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no child?' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Pope's Court, Fleet Street." works. See paragraph 1.E below. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I should be immensely obliged to you." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle events than those which have happened in my own family." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "In which, sir?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the station." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting think you a quite exceptional woman."