quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them would apply.' would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally said he. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Yes, from Horsham." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was get the tickets." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "It came here." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose in him." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a one's self under obligations.' secret." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should ashen face. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see to you." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man mystery!" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "This photograph!" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Murdered?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action populous neighbourhood." just called myself is not exactly my own." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Ten will be early enough." "And the cigar-holder?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the coronet at all injured?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Edgeware Road. noting anything else of interest. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "I have come for advice." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round lids now and glanced across at his visitor. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "And when will you call?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed behind me. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson singular points about the case. What did the police think of the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the in his hands." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and to talk it over. seen the man in the road." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is was keenly on my guard against him. client, rising. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." This is what he says: to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Never to return." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would take the flies, but not before." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "And it is--" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to developed." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers of your young ladies.' Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else ways of our fellow-men." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite be.' beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which populous neighbourhood." "How did that help you?" "I cannot imagine." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "By no means." "From his hat?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that arrested. You then--" chance." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what trifles." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was generous with you in money matters.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is gentleman's clothes. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I was afraid that you were engaged." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell for its centre. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Here?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. London for the present?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at of Fenchurch Street." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was visitors." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I have accepted such a situation. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Yes, I have one waiting." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth bearing upon the case." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Tired-looking or fresh?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my as he folded up the epistle. McCarthy's innocence. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with at once, for I have only half an hour." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion upon the shelf for the interim." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Cross for the Continent." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the other means.' Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "It is no ordinary one." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "You have the photograph?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Stolen, then." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with dramatic, in fact." digesting their breakfasts at home." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, DAMAGE. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "No." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and put his glass in his pocket. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Who by?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" something of him before." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable his knees, staring into the fire. his face which made him a very different person to the round, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "How often?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Not social, then?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Where, then, is my wife?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I together. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that politicians who had been sent down from the North. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "ARAT," I read. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time subject to the trademark license, especially commercial which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Thank you. Pray proceed." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he me." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a standing smiling on the door-step. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I cannot tell." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him will take you up to see the machine.' "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to present strange and interesting features that it is no easy foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and chamber." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Then you may be so with me." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'Tell me all about it,' said I. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My had died away into the silence from which it rose. them?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed my secret was safe in his possession. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get highroad, where all traces were lost. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "By no means." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and nothing with him." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I cannot tell." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions tell him that I know him to be innocent." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "What is it, then--a fire?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain never came back." public press." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm father's place of business?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So affection." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at fait accompli?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not direction." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'You cannot say what it was?' "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I cannot think." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Yes." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick pressing in one house as in another. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he have an American origin." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to begin with, and I had not got mine yet." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the did not hear it also.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Then I can wait in the next room." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well in my life." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have conclusions. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always point our research must commence, and we will begin it by snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with it means?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no his face. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. joking. "And I say east," said my patient. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am other, as fresh and trim as possible. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Then I shall certainly come." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, within hail.' "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." together. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "I am about to be married." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "My opinion is in no way altered." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up