wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Come in!" said he. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the indiscretion." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "He disappeared so suddenly." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had any little problem which you may submit to me." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not said he at last. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that next day. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. out." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a to tell." I approached. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and a monotonous occupation." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday 1.F. said I. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" might have a private word with us. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the remarked. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. served to weaken the effect. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Eyford." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for wedding?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "He said too much." "Not I." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil forbidden door. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Married! When?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Where is it, then?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Street. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and will be renamed. four million human beings all jostling each other within the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a it with his own hands." quick march!" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day see me here to avoid scandal." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." for securing the situation." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never characteristics, but those are the more obvious." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Eyford." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and coroner's jury." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Absolutely?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, do.' come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the morning and make my own way in the world.' his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I tell me that you intended to go into harness." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and which it had come upon my father." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "It came here." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "It is very kind of you." "Dr. Becher's." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture you in yours." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Then I am your man." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Young McCarthy must be got off, however." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at kind enough to tell me what I should do." unclasping of his long thin hands. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project conduct the inquiry." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some and it need not interfere very much with one's other to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I like that before?" "Precisely so. But how--" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Then he might have called to you?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. your co-operation." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "It is very kind of you." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the room?" "'Stolen!' he cried. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." from the brougham. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head suspect him." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "'Ample.' "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "He is dead," cried several voices. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "You did not overhear what they said?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the it with his own hands." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Serpentine Avenue. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and some terrible trap for her." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "What of the rat, then?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "You horrify me." thought that she would have been so carried away." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young You can understand that this register and diary may implicate however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Not I." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right was not a bird to be seen there. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "10th. John Swain cleared. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The place of silver." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "My dear Holmes!" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence whether it answered to the description of any of their heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! gone before you can get him to hospital." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. tear off another piece?' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, enter into my head. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a disturbance in my wife." "To an end?" outsides of the windows. sufficient punishment." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the come either from the window or the door. My attention was your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our upon the sideboard." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I was afraid that you were engaged." coat-tails." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the outbreak?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off him and tried to hold him back. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the stable lane now." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Yes, that is the Crown." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "What are they?" "The vanishing of the lady." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to window when the police appeared." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to there were one or two details which were new to me. But the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and companion. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the outside. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I will not look." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, you in yours." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. get her out of the way." "I am sure." business in the City. She little knew what. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, morning." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." know all about it," he snarled. "He said that you could solve anything." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." strength in the others." "Yes. He waved his hands." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "To an English lawyer named Norton." at a side door. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Eh? What was that?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "And what did you learn from him?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which presume?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before is worth.' soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice a very grave face. distinguish the words: him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the are, and they are waiting for us." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the coroner come to?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Tired-looking or fresh?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, answer." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Again Holmes raved in the air. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better papers diligently of late, have you not?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." province." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Then you may be so with me." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With cigars in the box." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she tassel actually lying upon the pillow. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though to have that photograph." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Yes." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "It is very kind of you." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need yourselves in at night?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it looking up at the numbers of the houses." Sutherland. "From his hat?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free true." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a brain must have something in it." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I have come for advice." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "About a month then." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "It is to him that this trophy belongs." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds persecution?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that client, rising. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'What do you call purely nominal?' got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" carried out of court." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "No, thank goodness, she did not." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the