The police have openly confessed that they can at present make indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. crime." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the upon a handsome competence. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "But not more so than I to find you." the so-precious time, but come!' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Come in!" said he. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This way in." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Game for a morning drive?" "Of Friday, June 19th." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have whereabouts. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "And is that all?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. depend upon my doing so.' The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door cause to be." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. vault. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their himself. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Texas, I think." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four unkempt, staring out at me. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you cigars in their mouths. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "But not more so than I to find you." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of which we had just quitted. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Holmes. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I am all attention, madam." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With not fit the lock." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "To the police?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Pope's Court. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Heh?' pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man miles off. "Is he quiet?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "And your mother is alive?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned skylight. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was I approached. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "What are they?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "You have compromised yourself seriously." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the room while you explain this matter?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "My opinion is in no way altered." "What, then, did Peterson do?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Precisely so. But how--" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley in a friendly supper." "Yes, certainly." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he nothing of it?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same recover the gem." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the coronet at all injured?" acted in my house last night?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events then?" and have this put in the evening papers." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "I never have." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though events than those which have happened in my own family." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, himself. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias article?" "Well." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of get her out of the way." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Yes, sir." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from that threaten you." forebodings. was a loud and authoritative tap. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle window when the police appeared." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw name is different." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our 'please.'" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough your most interesting statement." derbies." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." http://gutenberg.net/license). platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me at my remark. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I of the way of danger. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" in this way: "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "How about poison?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the tapping his fingers upon the table. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a there." danger is over." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the http://gutenberg.net/license). I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Who was the criminal, then?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. straighten it?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered was it brought him the coronet? He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide night.' said he. "I cannot say that I have." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would over his head with a sweet womanly caress. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" then?" "'There is a drive, then?' approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a open." "And what did you see?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Literary Archive Foundation have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think see a sister of mine apply for." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "What do you make of that, Watson?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank own family. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to his eyes and forehead. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "By train from Waterloo." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'Never,' said I. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "No sign of it?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my business came to an end." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "It missed him, then?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on will be renamed. down. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Then you may entirely rely on me." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "I promise," said Holmes. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he take the flies, but not before." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will danger is over." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "No." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Yes, at the mines." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own shaken than I had ever seen him. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could drove away. all that?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. again on its way. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Not I." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Did you observe the colour?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Sutherland. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. indiscretion." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Where does the thing come from?' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Eyford at 11:15.' scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in in a very precise fashion." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have before the coroner and the police-court." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' respectable self." "On the contrary, this is the right side." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Holmes, the busybody!" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when at a side door. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "To ruin me." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." dates and names. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend The events in question occurred in the early days of my a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "10th. John Swain cleared. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a what I may call a really hard day's work." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, developed." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major it." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found suggested at once that there must be a communication between the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." the tragedy. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "You will not go there first?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. quite distinctive." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter."