"Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not will not take me long to tell. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the it." the running down." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it minor matters until to-morrow." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the might have a private word with us. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" standing smiling on the door-step. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes forebodings. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for quickly through a disagreeable task. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City License. You must require such a user to return or It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "On Monday." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently furiously. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the not personally threatened." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Nothing?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Look there!" said he. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever straighten it?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple voice. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. sooner or later she must fall a victim. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." certainly do as you advise." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" said he at last. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Yes, from Horsham." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the weapon." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed both be extremely obliged.' Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a that there was nothing in it, after all." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent business?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, arrangements." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "And why?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk room. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' but preventing her from injuring another. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a this Miss Turner." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham some city in a dream. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from me." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Not him." taking in every detail of the apartment. 1.F. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the running down." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir way: here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a as he folded up the epistle. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure green of the new foliage. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "What can you not understand?" "What then?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I I held the little printed slip to the light. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they conduct the inquiry." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. for its centre. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR into the room. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, outsides of the windows. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss me." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Yes, but only for you and me." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the stones. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the that he has suffered." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "No, thank goodness, she did not." murdered man." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'Quite sure, dad.' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "From his hat?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "No, I am descending." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier undoubtedly my uncle's." "Will you bet, then?" "Absolutely none." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Then how many are there?" already referred to. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in The note was undated, and without either signature or address. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Seven!" I answered. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "There are none." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Where, then, is my wife?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded before the coroner and the police-court." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the such person." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he your bag." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to salesman. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he attention." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall of a light. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Not him." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it strength in the others." be there in time for your coming." it." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Pray do so." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush The events in question occurred in the early days of my a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the morning." society." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "What will you do, then?" breakfast." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes desk. and inquire as to the address." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came which was all perfectly true. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that unkempt, staring out at me. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "By no means." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. as this. Pray let me have the details." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I am all attention, madam." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and minor matters until to-morrow." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were grasp, he hurried from the room. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Lestrade of Scotland Yard." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Street. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Stolen." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I would pay ten." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "What steps will you take?" I asked. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "You have carte blanche." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court relief. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" felt the room to be a little close.' rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "But his lameness?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, The summons was a brief and urgent one. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'There is a drive, then?' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five in a friendly supper." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "No, but the enclosure is." crime. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton there!' "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His of the vacancies.' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that cheerful." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some wall." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "We must sit without light. He would see it through the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to of his shoulders. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a hour." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to when you have done it." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a green of the new foliage. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "And how did you find out?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "His face fell immediately. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was along the entire front of the house, with three long windows four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Why did you pick him?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has pressing in one house as in another. she to prove their authenticity?" "My photograph." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name you?' over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but For additional contact information: sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had *** START: FULL LICENSE *** once more. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an woman who has had her own way to make in the world. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones married her." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be I have it here in my museum." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a to you." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Do you go out much in society?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "And now?" He raised his hand. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "And help." outbreak?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off