completely overtopped every other consideration that we both brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with spark where all is dark to me." "I never have." "'Certainly,' I answered. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. keep the flames under. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more friend's singular character. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of trifles." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Then you may entirely rely on me." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "But the mystery?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "What can it mean?" I gasped. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Whose house is it?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had read it out to me." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Where did he live, then?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life enough to aid us in our search." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only best detective that ever lived. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the drawing your inferences." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of other means.' paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at sentimental considerations in the background which would induce you?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Your sister is dead, then?" next day. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Then I shall certainly come." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Then you may be so with me." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months front of me. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor thin legs towards the fire. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the direction." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "I have come for advice." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar or in danger--" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed DAMAGE. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a of your young ladies.' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "There are none." like that before?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then it means?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, there in twenty minutes." "Certainly, madam." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Then you may entirely rely on me." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as to affect your life." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow confronted him. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "That is unusual in a young girl." "Where is it, then?" "No." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "And I." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." do." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "She will not sell." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by of your young ladies.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "'In my own bureau.' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall side. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "You will not go there first?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. and effective." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Bought." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "An enemy?" forehead. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Well, it is a possible supposition." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "My stepfather's business papers." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Whose house is it?" compunction about shooting them down." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to guilty one." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either such attractions and accomplishments?' believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." very morning of my second wedding." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "But she will refuse." "How about poison?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have read over the extraordinary announcement. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "And I say east," said my patient. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "'Not at all. I only doubt--' credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Is he quiet?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens six. Come in!" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "It certainly sounds feasible." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked shoulder. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a side. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." cigar and let me expound." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "And how did you verify them?" have one." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my best detective that ever lived. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "No. What a strange idea!" "To an English lawyer named Norton." to-night?" I asked. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "'Most admirably.' downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions married her." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I bed dies. Does not that strike you?" joking. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt you in your example." States. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you distinguish the words: lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have mystery may be cleared along those lines." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had tail." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their said he at last. relief. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her will be renamed. "It is very kind of you." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "And your father? Did you tell him?" the matter." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Well, it is a possible supposition." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I would pay ten." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of papers on the sundial.'" charge against him will break down." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Which are?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to south, for the country is more deserted there." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his and inquire as to the address." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "But his lameness?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "And why?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Not in a good cause." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "No." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "How often?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the a very grave face. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to very old mansion. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "On your arm?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have assist you in forming an opinion." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look some water from a caraffe. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Just look it up, then." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Yes." the tragedy. minor matters until to-morrow." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider speckled band?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No be. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Do you go out much in society?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous tell them apart.' would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." posted to-day." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the arrested. You then--" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** gentleman's clothes. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him back to my heart. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Nothing?" like that before?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck,