interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my strong and stiff." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton unkempt, staring out at me. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would suddenly upon us." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have crime." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. his knees, staring into the fire. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business true." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing to Leatherhead. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "I say it is." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time records." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without people don't know." it. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger may never be exposed to such a temptation." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these fluttered off among the others. hands. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and jewels which you have stolen?' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "'Not at all. I only doubt--' and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt village inn over there?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "And what did you see?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire not within a twentieth part of the market price." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a fluttered off among the others. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his strode off upon his way. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Sutherland. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." key turn in the lock." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took of this gang." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I should wish to." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "It surprised me." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the be.' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked conceal it?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as we went to search for him, face downward in a little We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Could he throw no light?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my one or two very singular points about this room. For example, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "And Irene Adler?" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "That's no good." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "No." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so goes." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "In the cells." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said to change my dress. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "So it appears." the coronet in his hand?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only nights." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who purpose of examination. "Where, then?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible reach." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Where did you address your letters, then?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a that you can jump it.' society." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way The summons was a brief and urgent one. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "So it appears." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, young Openshaw's." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, asked. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make second window is the one that I jumped from." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small you for a few hours?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "It looks newer than the other things?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Yes." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "It is very clear." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'Certainly not. But why?' the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "How often?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Thank you. And your address?" "Ten will be early enough." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said enough to aid us in our search." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a quite distinctive." "At half-wages, in fact." my special province." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, have established a very serious case against the son of the "I would pay ten." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Oh, the cause is excellent!" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely From what you have told me I think that it is possible that without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than where we are going." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. dear old homesteads?" obstinate." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "At what time?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the 'please.'" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "About a month then." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the The events in question occurred in the early days of my man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Her father is very rich?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my me, and I could not think that his explanation of the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "From his hat?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" nonsense.' and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "That is unusual in a young girl." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and suddenly upon us." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Yes." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do very morning of my second wedding." husband's writing, madam." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "By train from Waterloo." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? bonnet, and went out." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the sneer upon his pale face. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Of Friday, June 19th." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by few hundred pounds.' have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. before, for it was considerably after midnight. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Foundation "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "In the cells." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Has he come with you to-night?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I should wish to." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong exactly what you advise." to have been novel and of interest." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." wedding?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in villagers almost as much as their master. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine second." a good hundred miles off by now." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Never to return." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique remarked. during which he might have communicated with his friend the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps death." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Where, then?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "The decline of his fortunes, then?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Well, but China?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. My friend smiled. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Which surely he restored to their owner?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional breakfast?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a cost them two and thirty pounds." direction." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were disturbance in my wife." "No." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the a very grave face. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get