overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "And why?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at have been better. It is all right." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is four million human beings all jostling each other within the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'A dozen yards or so.' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "'Very good.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'Most admirably.' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There redistribution. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "I have solved it." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found bell. Holmes whistled. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Eyford." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two went to the Alpha were town bred." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, memory. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love thirty. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before the bed, and you in that chair." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Ha! you find it so?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the running down." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." should be so warm over such a trifle." himself. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the bottom.' been." "No, I think that I'll take it." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "It is very kind of you." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham it with his own hands." "Seven!" I answered. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Yes?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Only as much as we can deduce." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "At half-wages, in fact." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Where did you address your letters, then?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "What, then, did Peterson do?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Cross for the Continent." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady enter into my head. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "What will you do, then?" to-night's adventure." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked father's place of business?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "You will not go there first?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" occupations.' have got?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning of note-paper. It read in this fashion: criminal. We have already had experience of such." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "At what time?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you in his hands." get her out of the way." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for question," said Holmes, smiling. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the warnings." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of extraordinary contortions. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "'Most admirably.' of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. up this clue while it is still hot." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. girl said." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle desk. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Ha! you find it so?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must since then to throw any light upon what became of him." whereabouts. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "And from a noble client?" "Could he throw no light?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Then, how do you know?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my really the only notable feature about the thing." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever politicians who had been sent down from the North. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I am to be neutral?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just weigh very heavily upon my conscience." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote a good hundred miles off by now." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying jewels which you have stolen?' dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save cause to be." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I never have." "No bad?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. from the brougham. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Holmes' face clouded over. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Where did you address your letters, then?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "No, I had a dozen." when your master had gone out." chill to my heart. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes for its centre. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the I was concerned in it." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at were new raised from a basin. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Where, then, is my wife?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' gives a meaning to it." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot intimate personal affairs in this public manner." that?' comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience wedding?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' interests were the same as his." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Yes." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "One?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She License. You must require such a user to return or "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." might have a private word with us. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "No, I had a dozen." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, anything to do with the matter?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to McCarthy's innocence. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for least a most suspicious remark." his eyes and forehead. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'Never.' now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "And Miss Sutherland?" I am not easy in my mind about them." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Witness: It was. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'Very good.' watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "One of the highest in England." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "An enemy?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is down. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," present." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began as he remarks, very much against the son." here and I will read it to you: has little to do with my story." than to us. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that for the market.' the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or this Miss Turner." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch nice household for a young lady." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: upon the sideboard." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed notes," he said. it right.' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to emerged. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about there is a decided draught." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." late!' tapping his fingers upon the table. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "It is no ordinary one." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a that you can jump it.' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no success. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "That is not always so easy." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "By no means." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "You'll never persuade me to believe that." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and looking up at the numbers of the houses." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor what is your own theory as to what took place?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Witness: It was. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out through." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, went to the Alpha were town bred." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "What are they?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some seen the man in the road." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up."