our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and events, Mr. Windibank!" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." him to go away.' traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She pressing in one house as in another. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It is very clear." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows at home. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "I am still in the dark." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "None. Neville wrote those words." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally both be extremely obliged.' read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." at a side door. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "And for present expenses?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the bottom.' scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking fish-monger and a tide-waiter." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Then I am your man." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too my friend's incisive reasoning. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had I shall continue with my miserable story. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." he. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the best of training." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "I cannot imagine." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you so far?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled footfalls from the street. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' visitors." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he is four-and-twenty." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "And how did you find out?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Yes." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "So I am. Very much so." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes me where it went to?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it wedding?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of despair." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of of his shoulders. all-comprehensive glances. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Then I am your man." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Tired-looking or fresh?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the help us in this matter." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the bottom.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Pray do so." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical to a more successful conclusion." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed less than 26s. 4d. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** to-night?" I asked. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light possible that we could bring him back to her? a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "My photograph." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "None." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "And you can do nothing until then?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "But you have hopes?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never during that time.' "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. upon the sideboard." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Perfectly so." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. even of instruction." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "10th. John Swain cleared. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt paper in the air. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only possible that we could bring him back to her? "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander intrusion of other matters." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short friends, not even his own brother. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from was a lad." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the your co-operation." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "At the wedding breakfast." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in I approached. other means.' among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about asked with his eyes open. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the so-precious time, but come!' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his opened the door, and slipped through. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed are, and they are waiting for us." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then do.' suggested at once that there must be a communication between the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Pope's Court. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "No, distinctly professional." formed some opinion?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the confronted him. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this ventilator." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily to tackle the facts." point in the dark hollow of his hand. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man way: wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "When did she vanish, then?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the address that was given us in the advertisement. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the lips." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Well." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Who by?" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of were new raised from a basin. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he bell. Holmes whistled. public press." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Yesterday." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend humiliation." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone had died away into the silence from which it rose. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an have accepted such a situation. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a true." but preventing her from injuring another. approach us with offers to donate. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make kindly on the shoulder. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "You forget that I know nothing about it." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'Is 4 pounds a week.' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my and that he would see to anything that turned up. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fishes. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "On the contrary, this is the right side." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'As governess?' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You have a clue?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Will you bet, then?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes posted to-day." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves business came to an end." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from ordinary clothes on?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence society." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "It's nothing of the kind." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Yes, he did." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood could go. "And I." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "It may not come to that," said Holmes. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never and laid it on the table. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Your presence might be invaluable." throat." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "There is the writing." important." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love papers must be those that are destroyed.' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Why did you beat the pavement?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in habit of advancing money.' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "She showed me, as I told you she would." "So it appears." "The doctor?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Where, indeed?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of laugh and put his lips to my ear.