secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, again, where I was soon asleep. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink once more for Briony Lodge. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Perhaps we may make them less so." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular sake, don't!" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, as he remarks, very much against the son." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out attention." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "There are none." "Who was the criminal, then?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the dangers which encompass me." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, know all about it," he snarled. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Yes, sir." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Has he come with you to-night?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case four million human beings all jostling each other within the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her minor matters until to-morrow." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to nonsense.' professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I assure you that I am in your hands." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Eyford." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Then, as to money?" "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us went to the Alpha were town bred." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the highly," said Holmes. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Thank you. Pray proceed." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun your own bird, so if you wish--" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Certainly." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up in him." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the ceiling. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Sholtos." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was chance." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Do you go out much in society?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent one of the states of the Union." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One you." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I relief. stood on the top of it. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'Yes, it was gone.' many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "My stepfather's business papers." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." think that any burglar could have done. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed confronted him. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Murdered?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; companion. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. her also." is worth.' "Nothing?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without fish-monger and a tide-waiter." me what he had done with the three missing stones. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, even of instruction." annoyance, but no jest. "That is possible." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Street. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed said I. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in that you wished to speak to me?' the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Texas, I think." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" seem to you to be relevant or not." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a works. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "You forget that I know nothing about it." "'Yes.' "I see many objections to any such theory." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the respectable self." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the learned something! Where are the gems?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and people don't know." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that might help us?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune carriage. It was a chestnut." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I of Fenchurch Street." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for tell them apart.' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases hurried by. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "You have a clue?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I assure you that I am in your hands." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, works. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a man. I know him from the photograph." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this burst out into a roar of laughter. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely washing it down with a long draught of water. was a lad." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Which surely he restored to their owner?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Not I." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the child." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled a room. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "What is it, then--a fire?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday than was visible to me." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will place of silver." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his to where he stood hid behind the curtain. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'And what are they worth?' I asked. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by to me. eavesdroppers?' her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without only touch the interest." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was fatally injured? King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "You are hungry," I remarked. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Then I am your man." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the at a side door. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "'What, the red-headed man?' "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled existence." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the salesman. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The woman." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" you for a few hours?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself I nodded to show that I had heard. danger is over." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, residence of the great financier. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Did he not advertise?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "She told me to ask you." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "But what harm can there be in that?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Well, some hundreds of times." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came way in." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Edgeware Road. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call you." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Yes." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich distinguish the words: "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some so.' almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive you, my dear young lady?' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as place no limit on the sum I may draw." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the iron safe, which he closed upon it. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your are, and they are waiting for us." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was had no one to advise her at such a crisis." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Was there a secret marriage?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their will find little credit to be gained out of this case." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which me what he had done with the three missing stones. reach." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some prisoner's face. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Yes." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "The vanishing of the lady." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the morning and make my own way in the world.' "So I heard. You have him here?" Leadenhall Street--and--" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the