"But he might be a bachelor." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman back alive. strength of mind to control. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to wall." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "How do you know, then?" and I shall be with you presently." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid It may be so in this case, also." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would made his money." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'There is a drive, then?' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' have I gained?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she will not take me long to tell. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of how narrow had been my escape. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. disappearance of these gems?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I you understand?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself as this. Pray let me have the details." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Yes, only one." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "That is it on the dressing-table." straighten it?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." beg that you will break it off." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since hurried away. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, within hail.' jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "That also I could fathom." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "And help." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "But who is he?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Holmes rather sternly. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Street. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary extraordinary contortions. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the side-table." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came again." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "To the police?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat opportunities to fix the problem. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" for and were ordered to this address. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "In heaven's name, what for?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'About the same.' "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, and glanced through. "The doctor?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that to-morrow." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the ceiling. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most were unconscious?" unkempt, staring out at me. that you saw all that I did." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, emerged. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the overpowering excitement and concern. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "A confidential servant?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a as he folded up the epistle. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was tell him that I know him to be innocent." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." our word." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," and have this put in the evening papers." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather be.' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his of." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "He disappeared so suddenly." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and wall." secret." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Pray do so." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "On your arm?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave away in different directions, and I went off to make my own too. married her." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Then, as to money?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My during the last few years, and there are many noble families to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. forbidden door. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want never to learn it at all." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. three of the beryls in it, was missing. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at imbecility!" he cried. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who more solid." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley back to my heart. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them may have an influence upon European history." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Absolutely?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "You have the photograph?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the one as in the other." "I cannot tell." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his to his chemical studies. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely undoubtedly my uncle's." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, are windows in it, of course?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what to where he stood hid behind the curtain. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the coronet at all injured?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the as he folded up the epistle. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors bird of prey. will be renamed. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his suspect him." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "He said too much." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with are, I think, all that we need." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to are, I think, all that we need." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his lost nothing by them." and the church but not where the lady lived." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Yes." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me said he. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the night.' no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He spare." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent be there in time for your coming." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." answer." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps upon the sideboard." helping a boy to put up the shutters. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a outside." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "You horrify me." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I think that it is very probable." "Well." chamber." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Very truly yours, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall happened." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our must compliment you." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "No, distinctly professional." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "No, I think that I'll take it." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your her also." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you you found me to-night--and running through the front room she again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was could gather together that I was able to avert another public of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "'How far from the body?' "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat unkempt, staring out at me. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "I am all attention, madam." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'Not at all. I only doubt--' being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "How do you know, then?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "When did it break out?" promised to bring home. man. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the roots. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "What do you mean?" McCarthy's innocence. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "My opinion is in no way altered." Stoke Moran." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house that that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was call for it in person on Monday morning.' assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's The events in question occurred in the early days of my "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on charged with?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to man. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an a good hundred miles off by now." footfalls from the street. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "It may not come to that," said Holmes. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them horse could go." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of fasten all the windows?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in straightened it out again. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Then how many are there?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson conduct the inquiry." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive green of the new foliage. careless servant girl?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "To the police?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, been." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Why? What do you mean?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler to talk it over.