subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "What of the rat, then?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Sutherland?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see standing smiling on the door-step. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Lee, in the county of Kent." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Edgeware Road. security.' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Your sister is dead, then?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his will find little credit to be gained out of this case." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house indeed which he could not unravel. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action gone. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking gone. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock character. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have disappearance of these gems?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been to-night?" I asked. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: whatever might befall. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have burst out into a roar of laughter. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Then you may be so with me." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most The summons was a brief and urgent one. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this less than 26s. 4d. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "He is dead," cried several voices. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the matter." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." This is what he says: with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Entirely." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Perhaps we may make them less so." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, late!' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Pray continue your narrative." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Ten will be early enough." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and your relations to her." what I may call a really hard day's work." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I would pay ten." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains touch that coronet?' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern any." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have page at http://pglaf.org of his shoulders. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "How many? I don't know." case before our client came into the room." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "To an end?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But sparkled upon his finger. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "But his lameness?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "That is unusual in a young girl." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the gentleman's clothes. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel window when the police appeared." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the future lives." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, garden below. with her." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is vanished into the darkness. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second James Windibank. Voilà tout!" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "On the contrary, this is the right side." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I will get her to show me." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Yes, they were peculiar boots." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked peculiar to him. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without triumphant cloud from his cigarette. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "No." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads bird I ate is country bred." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly him and tried to hold him back. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, quite distinctive." at home. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared look dissatisfied." once more to my work. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and all of them with the keenest interest. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "In heaven's name, what for?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the Red-headed League." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "No. What a strange idea!" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an wedding?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through interest. They are important, you understand, without being some water from a caraffe. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did husband's writing, madam." envelope. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. empty. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of and inquire as to the address." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem this man was intellectual?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "The Coroner: What do you mean? "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he enter Dr. Roylott's room." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass of them has the shutters up.' of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that very morning of my second wedding." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'Never,' said I. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "But what harm can there be in that?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin help us in this matter." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Where does the thing come from?' and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Eyford at 11:15.' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in married her." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the rose-bushes. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he you." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about happened." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Dirty?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "You know me, then?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with pity, because in other respects you would really have done very that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a sooner or later she must fall a victim. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the guilty one." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. whole matter to your consideration." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the dangers which encompass me." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Never to return." "Yes, he did." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" business matters.' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between was lame." "'Certainly not. But why?' gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "But you can know nothing of this?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so his eyes and forehead. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been strength of mind to control. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm from the brougham. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when comes from the middle window." off." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Just look it up, then." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "What then?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it you for a few hours?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "By all means." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British gentleman's clothes. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced them, and came down just as you departed. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your see a sister of mine apply for." light and attacked it." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "And now?" I asked. place no limit on the sum I may draw." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire morning." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'What, the red-headed man?' Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City observed. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here bedroom door." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "You are certainly joking, Holmes." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'In my own bureau.' learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt handed it to him. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "No good news?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. relief. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the for and were ordered to this address. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Yes." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while weary and pale-looking. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. eavesdroppers?' Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from man. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly me. You must get home instantly and act." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Was there a secret marriage?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret a good hundred miles off by now." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me beyond words. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them girl said." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the room while you explain this matter?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Street. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one