Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked than was visible to me." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "What can it mean?" I gasped. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, bird of prey. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from rat could hardly pass through." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "But not more so than I to find you." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Tired-looking or fresh?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "And what did you see?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. weary and pale-looking. would then never go into court at all." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "How many? I don't know." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on desk. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Never." it with his own hands." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the at my own good fortune. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Stoke Moran." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little said he. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily will find little credit to be gained out of this case." skylight. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE official police." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "You think so, too?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm populous neighbourhood." fled together." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Why did you beat the pavement?" lips." nonsense.' "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Not social, then?" be there in time for your coming." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a awkward doing business with an alias." there has been an enclosure here!" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Was there a secret marriage?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general keep the flames under. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally companion. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See my little problems." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair formed some opinion?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing been." point in the dark hollow of his hand. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Have you her photograph?" in his hands." Sutherland. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the was lame." rooms." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six business came to an end." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. his knees, staring into the fire. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be wedding?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Proceed, then." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing generous with you in money matters.' "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an and prosperity to your house. Good-night." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Dr. Becher's." chambers. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may there has been an enclosure here!" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "How are you getting on?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. clang of the bell. "'There is a drive, then?' could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "No, but the enclosure is." Miss Holder?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The matter over." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so sofa. This way, please!" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through ago." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that help us in this matter." see a sister of mine apply for." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. off." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said records." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. chill to my heart. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always and the colonel ushered me in. away into the river." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Quite so." "When did she vanish, then?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is examination of the premises, but without finding anything which door?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the about here speaks of his kindness to him." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her make me his representative both with the servants and with the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. just called myself is not exactly my own." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, The summons was a brief and urgent one. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "What then?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's to affect your life." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had seem to you to be relevant or not." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. intrusion of other matters." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building been lifted and conveyed somewhere." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking sit on the left-hand side of the driver." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked letters?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been article?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing was already answered. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so appeal." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'Certainly not. But why?' took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to interested in these little problems, and since you are good must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I voice. "The murder was done with it." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. gbnewby@pglaf.org obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever strode off upon his way. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him furiously. "And your mother is alive?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day what these perils are?" "One?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know British peeress.'" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "And you thought he was pulled back?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry hurried away. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Sutherland?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by answer." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all lamp. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his already referred to. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was my friend's incisive reasoning. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than once more. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the new duties?' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful back alive. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "No?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the even of instruction." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me dramatic, in fact." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'Yes, sir.' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and is so. I know all about McCarthy." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of what is your own theory as to what took place?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Deserted you?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Yes, the wine-cellar." must be when I saw the door open.' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." roused himself from his reverie. better in every way that they should make their position a little the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to in his power. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too You want to know what became of those geese?" his forehead." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is becomes even more simple." results." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out might have a private word with us. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for have one." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, was keenly on my guard against him. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I came to find a friend." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two true." straightened it out again. interest. They are important, you understand, without being want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking your equipment. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The IS "'Where to?' have one." "On your arm?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "No." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and of receipt of the work. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The away to you." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "If so, much may have happened between." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of know what is wrong with it.' I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "But how?" at my remark. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, bare slabs of marble. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I again." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I respectable self." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment his wife has ceased to love him." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "It must be recovered." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of long narrative. strode off upon his way. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the again." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "He said that you could solve anything." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well."