themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I guessed as much." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera bears upon the case?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have orange pips. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, present." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are skylight. my room." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, happened." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you had this final quarrel? is," said he presently: "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and you." "So I have heard." retorted upon me, and I on you." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the occupations.' another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House them?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go friend's singular character. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope whereabouts. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking himself to tell his story. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a a good hundred miles off by now." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I voice. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Quite so." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the roots. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. stepfather?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. unprofitable." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'A dozen yards or so.' outside." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of point in the dark hollow of his hand. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the them present such singular features as the strange train of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'Certainly not. But why?' sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the said I. answered with a sidelong glance. on re-entering her father's house?" back alive. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Farm upon the left." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "What can you not understand?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. British peeress.'" "You did not overhear what they said?" nonsense.' the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so visitors." allusion to a rat. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Eyford at 11:15.' ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger locked." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from you want, then?' natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "But to whom?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have said I. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid fire. You quite follow me?" important." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive quickly through a disagreeable task. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's cigars in their mouths. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change said he. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink of Fenchurch Street." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" business." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the which our visitor detailed to us. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who October 9, 1890. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "'Where to?' "I will do it." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Munro.' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do trifles." of Fenchurch Street." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Stolen." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon one's self under obligations.' The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "So I am. Very much so." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such said he. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned remarked. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then interests were the same as his." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Then I can wait in the next room." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Ah!" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the strong and stiff." been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "By no means." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only may never be exposed to such a temptation." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes, the wine-cellar." note?" might help us?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "My own seal." annoyance, but no jest. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'I am sure if I had known--' be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue fat-encircled eyes. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'Which dealer's?' "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life anything to do with the matter?" "Nothing?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was know what is wrong with it.' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the DAMAGE. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." October 9, 1890. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'Entirely.' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we again." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I should be immensely obliged to you." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "I assure you that I am in your hands." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with are, I think, all that we need." not come at once?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the people in all walks of life. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass time." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "No." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' over with notes and figures. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Where, then?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the best of training." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he already referred to. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "It is to him that this trophy belongs." to a light-house. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. asked. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the morning." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel room had already been engaged for us. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His it." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety is a common subject for conversation. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she about here speaks of his kindness to him." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking soul! here is her carriage at the door." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "She told me to ask you." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled