But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Quite so. She has her freedom." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. pound a week." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "But his left-handedness." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a less than 26s. 4d. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an burst out into a roar of laughter. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more call you and give you the chance." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap from you?" guilty parties." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it fluttered off among the others. prepare for the new role I have to play." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "How did that help you?" noble correspondent could be. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind which it had come upon my father." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in gentleman's clothes. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of to you." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. directors, with the result that you have seen." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the him to go away.' attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And your mother is alive?" any little problem which you may submit to me." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm quickly through a disagreeable task. upon the white wrist. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "One horse?" interjected Holmes. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me It may be so in this case, also." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of lips." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single II. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the very morning of the wedding." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and effective." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I cannot imagine." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new like that before?" man. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Yes, it was gone.' appeal." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no room?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "By no means." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his companion. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of believe that I should never have any practice at all. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not to Leatherhead. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that pierced for earrings?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Heh?' himself in a perplexing position. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the invisible to me," I remarked. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and call the police, let the police find what they can.' Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would before, for it was considerably after midnight. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Eh? What was that?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough best detective that ever lived. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make photograph?" imbecility!" he cried. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days key of the affair now." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with from you?" murdered man." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the indeed happy." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell do.' "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Yes." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I digesting their breakfasts at home." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "'Yes.' he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case subject to the trademark license, especially commercial any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what points to suicide?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country without success. At last the little money which I had saved began man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Yes, the wine-cellar." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper roused himself from his reverie. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he opened the door, and slipped through. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a to surprise her." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line ceremony." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "And leave your case unfinished?" whole matter to your consideration." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been arrested. You then--" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, to-night?" I asked. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Do you know him?" woven round him. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, that I can to serve you." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner events, Mr. Windibank!" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done not as remarkable as your advertisement." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just States. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." mysterious end." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'A dozen yards or so.' greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "My dear Holmes!" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have page at http://pglaf.org "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell matters immensely." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Farm upon the left." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is sparkled upon his finger. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has been deceived." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I promise," said Holmes. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might been deceived." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. fluttered off among the others. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom which it had come upon my father." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." photograph a cabinet?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with populous neighbourhood." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "'What then?' I asked. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That words came to my lips. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Holmes' face clouded over. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need purpose equally well?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and looked back. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'Certainly not. But why?' opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if brought there to personate someone, and the real person is regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, father's young wife. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I cannot imagine." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned which it had come upon my father." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a have got?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, a very grave face. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously whether it answered to the description of any of their the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" to talk it over. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent carpenter." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is me. You must get home instantly and act." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain of note-paper. It read in this fashion: electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so His name is Francis Prosper." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "'What are you doing there?' he asked. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior nonsense.' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Was she in good spirits?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "And I." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "That you are never beaten." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the into the room. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Where, indeed?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the tell me that you intended to go into harness." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' appeared upon the scene." fluttered off among the others. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Why did you pick him?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Ample." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to outside. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, indeed happy." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Dark enough and sinister enough." "My opinion is in no way altered." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the shall use the carriage to-night." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can orange pips. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of open." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "No." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "And who is her maid?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, case-book, which he consulted. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "And now?" He raised his hand. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's locked." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that there." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Count Von Kramm." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was,