"Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured like gravel from a pit.' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and must compliment you." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" people don't know." side. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "One?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could becomes even more simple." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. distinguish the words: into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could strong reason behind." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "And why in hopes?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way one's self under obligations.' equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His been deceived." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has all?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall garden below. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from he died? "Then I can wait in the next room." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to anything to do with the matter?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he must be when I saw the door open.' whereabouts. locked. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name amused." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Then, how do you know?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "You have the photograph?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end in the hope of finding them." "You think that he is dead?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day future lives." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in it." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I answered that I had not. retorted upon me, and I on you." enter Dr. Roylott's room." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. of receipt of the work. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "And how did he make his money?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the house for five minutes.' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip up this clue while it is still hot." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the child." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into that he has suffered." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "And how did he make his money?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy my little problems." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Foundation "I was mad--insane." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Where, indeed?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "The murder was done with it." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social present." I nodded to show that I had heard. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have eavesdroppers?' "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "And how have you succeeded?" my special province." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. other means.' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak must compliment you." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the matter over." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away morning." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a recover the gem." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "There are none." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I have my revolver," said I. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' nothing with him." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of ways including including checks, online payments and credit card band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Nothing?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind friend's singular character. in his hands." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark and the colonel ushered me in. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the them?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I forebodings. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will comes from the middle window." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'What do you call purely nominal?' rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in You can understand that this register and diary may implicate wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Well, some hundreds of times." unprofitable." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "If so, much may have happened between." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, entirely lost his self-respect." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, interest. They are important, you understand, without being down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two him to be an active member of the medical profession." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Dark enough and sinister enough." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "My opinion is in no way altered." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Then I do not see the point." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Where is it, then?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "By all means." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to his forehead." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "10th. John Swain cleared. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "At the wedding breakfast." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and the whole place is in a blaze." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek it were putty." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "What do you make of that, Watson?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of ashen face. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small orange pips. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. http://www.gutenberg.net "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Yes, at the mines." I have it here in my museum." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way ashen face. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "To the police?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but existence." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Munro.' "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for once more to my work. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain respectable self." the best of training." of receipt of the work. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. had a long day." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in should be taken.' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears that I am arrested." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "The rest you will leave in our hands." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are stepfather?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." villagers almost as much as their master. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since which our visitor detailed to us. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he address. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would events, Mr. Windibank!" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "My dear Holmes!" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end page at http://pglaf.org from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate characteristics, but those are the more obvious." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "I have seen the police." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'Is purely nominal.' "I am armed." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "We must sit without light. He would see it through the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "It was a confession," I ejaculated. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Not I." lectures into a series of tales." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "'I am sure that I do not know.' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two derbies." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now lectures into a series of tales." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to take care of herself." strength in the others." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United the very morning of the wedding." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. against a man in the prime of life?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told in his power. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the goes." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that means taking possession of that which another person has a prior long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it fluttered off among the others. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the article?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "And leave your case unfinished?" congratulate you again." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager your troubles." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his IS It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my was a loud and authoritative tap. congenial hunt. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and habit of advancing money.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door any." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just occupations.' the room while you explain this matter?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Very murderous indeed." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window,