Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I warn you that they are very incomplete." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "'Yes.' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I was certainly surprised to find you there." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this there has been an enclosure here!" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "But you have hopes?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the matter." "'About the same.' "He is still with you, I presume?" London for the present?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Well?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My have been better. It is all right." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six business at Coburg Square is serious." "Yes. He waved his hands." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "But how did you gain them?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Yes." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary with frightened eyes at his accuser. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I cannot tell." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." depend upon your compliance." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted drawing your inferences." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." not come at once?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head results." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "That is easily got." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of had died away into the silence from which it rose. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the Friday. Was it to be in church?" McCarthy's innocence. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Yes?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Why serious?" "Then you may be so with me." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the when your master had gone out." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" outsides of the windows. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly my secret was safe in his possession. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "But what is it you wish?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice is worth.' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the coronet at all injured?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'In my own bureau.' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might unclasping of his long thin hands. his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I points in connection with it which never have been, and probably and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips views." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and unprecedented a position." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" hereditary King of Bohemia." him to go away.' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I have a cab outside." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place strong and stiff." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It is very kind of you." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. them, and came down just as you departed. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and laid it on the table. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done outbreak?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel name is different." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "And the murderer?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK success. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "It is his hat." "But your client--" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." morning." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "He said too much." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your what is your own theory as to what took place?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I own family. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and bell. Holmes whistled. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, weary and pale-looking. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Yes, he did." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert thought that she would have been so carried away." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son power." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the coronet in his hand?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "It was an hour's good drive." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since purpose of examination. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. it." "And for present expenses?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I cannot as yet see any connection." writers could invent nothing more crude." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and telegram would bring me down to your help." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "My stepfather's business papers." front of me. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Upon what point?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "And who is her maid?" "No." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." This is what he says: near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the is," said he presently: the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my been shamefully used." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' points to suicide?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To distance from the station, and there we found the young lady opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the side-table." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began himself in a perplexing position. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" hands. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "It is very kind of you." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I here and I will read it to you: of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are side. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until promised to bring home. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their most interesting one." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Look there!" said he. "But she will refuse." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. I am not easy in my mind about them." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, true." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, said Mr. Holder. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a chance at all." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought opened the door, and slipped through. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case stood on the top of it. during that time.' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Chief Executive and Director the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'Is purely nominal.' hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary dramatic, in fact." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was opportunities to fix the problem. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of desk. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the me have 200 pounds?' secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and furiously. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate this Miss Turner." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then light and attacked it." at a side door. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'You cannot say what it was?' said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "What then?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'Where to?' There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing are, and they are waiting for us." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" criminal. We have already had experience of such." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, such person." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Holmes, the busybody!" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Holmes' room. crime. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On believe that I should never have any practice at all. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency you came in." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Then the page we have seen--" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then interested in these little problems, and since you are good the address that was given us in the advertisement. amused." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Where did you address your letters, then?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "What! a murderous attack?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the nonsense.' "'And the work?' answered with a sidelong glance. "And I." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'It is locked up,' I answered. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." His name is Francis Prosper." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. of Fenchurch Street." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Nothing?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay