instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after few hundred pounds.' ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Well, some hundreds of times." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad written. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? have not had my rubber." experiences." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "And is that all?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." wall." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off searched, without anything being found which could incriminate she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered charge against him will break down." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "What are they?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Mary, has deserted me." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Yes, it would be as well." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the of a light. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "From his hat?" made him keep the appointment." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must back into the street. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Yes, from Horsham." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I am following you closely," I answered. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'What would be the hours?' I asked. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the His name is Francis Prosper." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger he bowed and left the room without another word. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. electronic works walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Where does the thing come from?' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Then, how do you know?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Then I shall certainly come." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in girl said." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "That is not always so easy." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast as he remarks, very much against the son." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Sutherland?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little has little to do with my story." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "No. His orders were to stay in the house." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go until night should bring an explanation. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day get her out of the way." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this think that any burglar could have done. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done woman who has had her own way to make in the world. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "No, but the enclosure is." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" 11:15.' nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, nothing with him." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for But Holmes shook his head gravely. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through cup of tea. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us strength." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, indeed which he could not unravel. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to instincts rose up against that laugh. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "No, but the enclosure is." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he compunction about shooting them down." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. good-night and bustled off upon her way. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch views." both be extremely obliged.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful night.' said he. visitors." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is directly by questioning you." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That have accepted such a situation. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Mrs. Toller serenely. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I don't say that. Perhaps." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with III. Street. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern his grey eyes. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for astonishment. figure." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE his cane at the bell-pull. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I came to find a friend." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up it." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Holmes. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "It is a murder, then?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "But what will you do?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." my special province." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said she might be summoned. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to is acting for the best. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." followed. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'How far from the body?' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "So I heard. You have him here?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year entirely devoid of interest." would then never go into court at all." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and any little problem which you may submit to me." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided if I call to-morrow?" "But what will you do?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'I am sure that I do not know.' say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, guilty parties." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at there!' was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass his face. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official washing it down with a long draught of water. generous with you in money matters.' confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall detective. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting I held the little printed slip to the light. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." tapping his fingers upon the table. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of made him keep the appointment." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their this remarkable episode. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. looking up at the numbers of the houses." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. correct than the official force." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which character. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but said he. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there ways including including checks, online payments and credit card there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He to tackle the facts." that threaten you." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "We must have a cab." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the lost nothing by them." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The annoyance, but no jest. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Then what has happened to him?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by at once, for I have only half an hour." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Of Friday, June 19th." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "That is possible." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all hand, madam?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the all?" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Was the window open?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram which was all perfectly true. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two happened." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. followed. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "He said that you could solve anything." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my lost his Christmas dinner." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with such attractions and accomplishments?' me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious washing it down with a long draught of water. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a